Cleveland, US Justice Dept. Reach Deal

Local Editor

Cleveland had reached a settlement with the US Justice Department over unconstitutional policing and excessive use of force by police officers.

The settlement was reached Monday days after a judge acquitted a Cleveland police officer of manslaughter charges in the fatal shooting of two African-Americans, people briefed on the case said.

Judge John P. O'Donnell declared that officer Michael Brelo, 31, was not guilty of killing 43-year-old Timothy Russell and 30-year-old Malissa Wiliiams in November 2012.

Further, thirteen officers fired a total of 137 times at the pair's car after a high-speed chase, but only Brelo was charged because prosecutors said he fired 15 rounds even when the vehicle had stopped and the occupants were no longer a threat.

However, the details of the settlement were to be released.

Settlements are usually supported by court orders and often urge for improved training and revised policies for the use of force by police.

In similar negotiations in recent year, the Justice Department had required cities to allow independent monitors to oversee changes in police departments.

Moreover, the Justice Department, the Cleveland police and Mayor Frank Jackson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Justice Department began its inquiry into the Cleveland police force months after the 2012 shooting incident and released its report in December.

Cleveland and certain other cities, including Ferguson, New York and Baltimore had been the scene of massive protests over police brutality against African-Americans.

Accordingly, dozens of protesters had been arrested during recent protests against the acquittal of Brelo and had been arraigned in court in Cleveland.

Fifty-eight people appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court to be arraigned on misdemeanor charges.

Consequently, most of the protesters pleaded no contest to reduced charges and were sentenced to time served. Some pleaded not guilty.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team