NAACP Statement on DOJ Agreement with Cleveland Police Department & Officer Brelo Acquittal

The NAACP has released the following statement in response to the DOJ’s Agreement with the Cleveland Police Department & Officer Brelo’s Acquittal:

From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President & CEO:
The NAACP is deeply saddened that the Cleveland police officer who fired 15 shots into a car with two unarmed people has been acquitted. The 2012 deaths of Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams represent two more tragedies in a series of others who have senselessly lost their lives at the hands of those who swore to protect and serve.  We understand the anger and frustration being felt among the community and stand in solidarity with peaceful protestors who seek justice. It is essential that police must respect the community before they can protect the community.   Therefore, we are very encouraged by the Cleveland Police Department’s agreement with the Department of Justice to overhaul its criminal justice system. This agreement calls for many of the reforms that the NAACP has advocated for, including body worn cameras and community policing and signals a turning point for police accountability in this country.  The NAACP will continue to advocate for federal policy change that works to assure that racial profiling ends today.

From Sybil Edwards – McNabb, NAACP Ohio State Conference President:
We are appalled by the decision to acquit Officer Michael Brelo and our sincerest thoughts and prayers go to the families of Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams during this difficult time. The Ohio State Conference will continue to double down for justice. We applaud the Department of Justice on exacting standards over how and when the Cleveland Police Department can use force, and ensuring that these rules are not ignored.  This agreement is not only a road map for criminal justice reform in Cleveland, but can the beginning of a national model for all police departments looking to restore community trust and build a fairer criminal justice system in the 21st Century.  The NAACP Ohio State Conference will continue to monitor the activities of the police department and will continue the fight to end racial profiling throughout the state of Ohio.

From Rev. Hilton Smith, NAACP Cleveland Branch President:
We are proud of our work with the Department of Justice and the consent decree with the Cleveland Police Department. The Cleveland Branch of the NAACP will continue to persistently monitor police and community relations and stand steadfast in our commitment to ensure accountability by working closely with the city’s leadership to bring systemic criminal justice reform to Cleveland, developing ordinances prohibiting racial profiling and advocating on behalf of our community, especially our most vulnerable.