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Cleveland Submits Use-Of-Force Policy To Judge For Approval

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CLEVELAND (AP) – Cleveland has submitted a revised use-of-force policy to the federal judge overseeing an agreement on reforming the city’s police department.

Changing how Cleveland officers use lethal and non-lethal force is a key element in the agreement between the city and the U.S. Department of Justice. The policy was submitted Wednesday to U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. for his approval.

The city and DOJ agreed to a court-monitored consent decree in May 2015, after a DOJ investigation found a pattern and practice of officers using excessive force and violating people’s civil rights.

One of the key changes in the revised policy calls for officers to use de-escalation techniques to avoid having to use force.

Officers are expected to begin training on the new policy early next year.