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Monitor Reports Cleveland Police Largely Meet Use-of-Force Standards as Incidents Rise

A new federal monitoring report credits years of consent‑decree reforms with bringing Cleveland police into broad compliance.

Overview

  • The monitor found 97% of level-one and level-two force in 2024 complied with the Constitution after reviewing 272 incidents through body cameras and reports.
  • Officers reported 334 uses of force in 2024, the most since 2018, and injuries to members of the public increased, prompting a call for closer review.
  • Reviewers said officers generally follow policy, supervisors identify violations, and internal accountability systems function, though documentation and follow-through can be inconsistent.
  • The department received upgrades across use of force, crisis intervention, search and seizure, hiring, staffing, equipment, and training, and its Crisis Intervention Team posted its lowest force rates on record.
  • City officials said local oversight through the Police Accountability Team will continue as the consent decree progresses, with the next assessment turning to community engagement.