Framework

Overview

On this webpage, the City will share periodic updates related to implementation of the Framework for Maintaining a Safe and Just Shaker, which was adopted by City Council in Resolution 23-67, on August 28, 2023.  

Background

The City of Shaker Heights acknowledges that profiling and bias in policing exist throughout our nation, and that this national problem has disproportionately negatively impacted people of color. The City is committed to its efforts to combat this problem by continuing to work toward safe, equitable, transparent, and accountable policing; avoiding biased or discriminatory policing; and striving to achieve a just city for all persons who live in, work in, and visit Shaker Heights.

As one of only 4 percent of police departments nationwide to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditations for Law Enforcement Agencies, the Shaker Heights Police Department adheres to the highest professional standards.

Framework

On August 28, 2023, at the request of the City's Administration, the Shaker Heights City Council passed a resolution adopting a Framework for Maintaining a Safe and Just Shaker Heights, stating the City's intention to implement the following actions:

  • To conduct a community-wide Listening Project, designed and facilitated by an independent third-party facilitator and/or consultant, to have a community-wide discussion on policing policies and practices 
  • To continue working towards an expansion of the City's Mental Health Response Program  
  • To create a Community Advisory Group to advise the Mayor (in their elected role and as safety director), the Police Chief, the Chief Administrative Officer, and City Council
  • To post online certain public records of the Shaker Heights Police Department to make access easier for the public, including some data by demographic and other metrics

Listening Project

The Listening Project was a community-wide initiative to listen to residents and encourage residents to speak out and have community conversations about any concerns and suggestions regarding police policies and practices, and particularly concerning any real or perceived bias in policing in the city. The Listening Project also included discussions about specific police policy and practice reform proposals, the City’s Mental Health Response Program, and a public records repository.

Read the Listening Project final report or watch the final presentation.

Expansion of the Mental Health Response Program

The City has expanded its mental health response program to include partner cities in the Chagrin Valley Dispatch network: Cleveland Heights, University Heights, South Euclid and Richmond Heights. The five-city program is titled First CALL (for Crisis Assistance and Local Linkage).

First  CALL builds upon Shaker’s success with three additional licensed mental health professionals and three peer support workers, who, along with the current Shaker Heights social worker, cover all five partner-communities. In addition, a licensed mental health professional is assigned to the Chagrin Valley Dispatch, the joint dispatch center serving all five communities. Recovery Resources, a program of the MetroHealth System, hired the additional mental health professionals. 

Read more about the First CALL program. 

Community Advisory Group

 The City has established a Community Advisory Group (CAG) to provide feedback to the mayor, police chief, chief administrative officer, and City Council on topics that may include:

  • The implementation of recommendations from the Listening Project
  • Policing policies and practices
  • The operation and expansion of the Mental Health Response Program
  • Community engagement efforts by both the police and mental health professionals

Fifteen residents serve on the CAG. with overarching goals of :

  • Preventing biased policing and negative community perceptions
  • Improving community relations
  • Maintaining a just City

Documents