Mayor Frank G. Jackson approved today the implementation of the revised use of force policy that was presented to him by Police Chief Michael McGrath during the transition period following the election.

The revised use of force policy focuses on tactical training and increased accountability. The goals of the new policy are to minimize the risk police officers face and to protect the public from excessive use of deadly force.

“I recently met with Chief McGrath to discuss how we can improve the quality of life for our citizens and safety concerns regarding our police officers. “I was impressed with the Chief's draft for a new use of force policy that is intended to decrease the number of deadly force incidents,” said Mayor Jackson. “This policy is intended to save lives, both of our citizens and of our officers.”

Mayor Jackson asked Acting Safety Director Martin Flask to also review the draft and they agreed to accept the Chief's recommendation to adopt the policy and make it effective immediately.

“It is my goal to improve officer safety through a training agenda that improves our service to the community,” said Chief McGrath.

The current use of force policy for Cleveland police was reviewed and approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. Chief McGrath's recommended enhancements to the policy include:

• Officers will be required to assume and maintain control in the use of force against a subject when it is clearly excessive. Excessive force will not be tolerated;
• Officers shall not unreasonably place themselves in a position where a threat of imminent danger of death or serious physical injury is created when attempting to stop a motor vehicle or apprehend a felony suspect;
• Officers will follow all training protocols and guidelines taught at the Cleveland Police Academy involving felony traffic stops and apprehending armed suspects; and
• The Chief of Police developed a new training curriculum that will focus on police tactics and safety to minimize the times officers have to resort to deadly force.