CLEVELAND — EDITOR’S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News and is unrelated to the story.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb announced a new two-phase selection process to evaluate the nearly 300 Community Police Commission (CPC) applicants.
According to a release from Bibb's office, 281 individuals applied to join the CPC, the most applicants in its history. All of the applicants are being reviewed by a Resident Review Committee for screening and evaluation.
The CPC will feature a 13-member commission, with Cleveland City Council nominating three members and Bibb nominating ten applicants.
Members of CPC will make decisions on discipline for police misconduct, oversee and update police recruitment and training, and make policy recommendations on processes and procedures after the passing of Issue 24 last year.
“We’re encouraged by the volume of applications received to join the new Community Police Commission,” said Bibb in a statement. “It shows that citizens are engaged and committed to police reform. Today, we’re proud to launch a rigorous, community-led evaluation process to ensure diverse voices from the community and our police associations are represented in the selection process.”
The Resident Review Committee is comprised of leaders from community and civil rights organizations, along with faith leaders, attorneys, and medical professionals. Members from police associations, advocates for victims’ families, and mental health and homelessness advocates will also serve on the committee.
Resident Review Committee
- Alicia Kirkman
- Archie L. Green, II
- Ariel Cathcart
- Brenda V. Bickerstaff
- Brendan Trewella
- Chris Knestrick
- Crystal Bryant
- Cynthia Nozomi Ikuta
- Emmanuel Vélez
- Fred Ward
- James O'Malley
- Jazmin Long
- Jeff Follmer
- Jeffrey A. Claridge
- Justin Abdul-Kareem Henton
- Rev. Dr. Larry Wayne Howard
- LaTonya Goldsby
- Luther Roddy
- Melekte Melaku
- Nora Kelley
- Paula J. Kampf
- R. L Render III
- Pastor Richard M. Gibson
- Samara Knight
- Selina M. Pagan
Each committee member will submit 15 names by June 8 for consideration in the second phase of the process, which the Selection Advisory Panel will review.
Selection Advisory Panel
- Douglas Horner
- Phyllis Harris
- Dr. C. Jay Matthews I
- Linda Hinton
The city says those shortlisted applicants will be further considered by the panel and interviewed before Bibb makes recommendations to nominate ten applicants to City Council for approval in July
Cleveland's new Chief Ethics Officer, Delanté Spencer Thomas Esq., will serve as chair of both the Resident Review Committee and the Selection Advisory Panel "to maintain consistency and integrity of the evaluation process."