CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Police labor union has filed a grievance with the City of Cleveland regarding discipline for 64 patrol officers involved in a Nov. 29 deadly chase.
The Cleveland Police Patrolman’s Association grievance says the city should issue a declaration “setting aside” all discipline against the officers, and calls the disciplinary actions “arbitrary, disparate, excessive and unreasonable” and in violation of the union’s collective bargaining agreement.
The Nov. 29 chase, which ended when officers fired 137 shots at a car, killing occupants Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams, has drawn criticism from community members and leaders alike.
The disciplinary actions the CPD has taken against the officers, who have been charged with insubordination, joining the chase without permission, falsifying duty records and other offenses, range from written warnings to 10-day suspensions.
Of the 277 officers on duty the night of Nov. 29, 104 were involved in the deadly pursuit and 64 face disciplinary action.
Mayor Frank Jackson has acknowledged the chase and shooting have damaged the public’s trust in Cleveland’s police force.
“We have to let people know what we’re doing at every step so that they can see that we’re handling this right and that they should have the expectation that this will not happen again,” said Jackson.
One dozen supervisors were also disciplined because of their roles in the chase.
In June, one supervisor was fired, two were demoted and nine others suspended following disciplinary hearings about their involvement.
SOURCE: NewsNet5.com
Article Courtesy of WEWS NewsChannel 5
Picture Courtesy of RTA and WEWS NewsChannel 5
