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City of Cleveland now accepting applicants to join new community police commission

As a result of Issue 24 passing last year, the final decision on police policies and the discipline of officers will be in the hands of the commission.

CLEVELAND — Months after the passage of Issue 24, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb says the city is now ready to accept applicants for the city's new community police commission. 

As a result of the 59% to 41% passing of Issue 24 by Cleveland voters last November, the Cleveland Community Police Commission will have the authority to make decisions on discipline for police misconduct, oversee and update police recruitment and training, and make policy recommendations on processes and procedures.

According to a release put out by Bibb's office, commissioners must be Cleveland residents and "represent the racial, social, economic and cultural diversity of our city." There will be 13 members of the commission in all.

Residents of Cleveland can apply to join the Cleveland Community Police Commission by clicking here. Applications must be received on or before April 30, 2022.

“We’re proud to open applications for 13 members of the new Commission, who will be carefully selected following a fair and rigorous application and evaluation process. This is one of the most important steps in the process to implement police reform, which will serve as a model for the nation on strengthening citizen oversight,” Bibb said in the release.

Per the criteria in the city's charter, three members of the commission may be representatives from police associations, at least two members must come from community organizations focused on civil rights, and at least one member must be an attorney or have "relevant lived experience of the criminal justice system, mental illness or homelessness."

The new Community Police Commission will launch once a majority of members are appointed to four-year terms. Applications will be screened for eligibility based on criteria outlined in Charter Section 115-5. The community will then have an opportunity for input before Bibb makes recommendations to Cleveland City Council for approval.

Previous reporting on Issue 24:

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