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

The Request for Proposals (RFP: Community Engagement Consultant) to implement the Listening Project portion of the Framework may be found below.

Documents