A group of Cleveland mothers of children killed in violence gathered Tuesday to demand better community policing, and more police accountability.
The mothers took their protests and allegations of police brutality to the steps of the Cuyahoga County Justice Center and within sight of Cleveland Police headquarters. It was there, where several people whose sons were killed by police over the last several years, voiced their complaints.
The families responded to the proposed community policing plan from Cleveland Police.
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Among the speakers were Brenda Bickerstaff, whose brother was killed by police sixteen years ago and Alicia Kirkman -- whose son was killed eleven years ago.
Also there was Samaria Rice, whose son -- Tamir -- at age 12, was killed by police gunfire four years ago in a much-reported and highly-controversial incident, which was detailed nationwide.
The women said what they wanted was more Cleveland police accountability and stronger educational requirements for incoming officers. And more.
"The police cannot be against the community, which we have experienced for the last 70 years. It is time for us to be on one accord. We are not their enemy. We don't want to be their enemy. We don't want them to be our enemy," Samaria Rice told the gathering.
The U.S. Justice Department has found a pattern and practice of unconstitutional policing and widespread excessive use of force. The Cleveland Police division has been under a special federal consent decree to revise its practices.
Police are doing that.
The protestors wanted to send their recommendations as part of community input under the consent decree.