The monitor tracking Cleveland’s progress under a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department laid out an ambitious plan for 2016, one that requires the city to implement major changes and conduct training, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The first-year plan was filed in federal court yesterday by monitor Matthew Barge. It outlines dozens of deadlines that the city, the monitor and other groups must meet to implement a settlement designed to transform the way the city polices its residents. Barge says the plan is “aggressive” but achievable. He said the work with the city thus far has been more planning-oriented, but residents should see substantial change in the coming months.
A judge is expected to sign off on the plan in the coming days. Among the deadlines and goals: The city police must have a new use-of-force policy in place, with all officers trained, by Dec. 31. The police, along with the newly-formed Mental Health Advisory Committee, will develop new policies and training for officers responding to calls about mental health and behavioral crises. The Community Police Commission must make assessments of the city’s bias-free policing policy, and make recommendations for changes. The police department must then develop a bias-free policing policy and training protocol. The police must have a new mission statement by June 10.