DOJ Endorses End of Cleveland Police Oversight After Reforms

Federal oversight of the Cleveland Police Department set to conclude after a decade of reforms.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Department of Justice is seeking to end federal oversight of the Cleveland Police Department, citing extensive reforms implemented by the police division to enhance use of force policies, community policing, and other critical areas that now align with federal law expectations. The DOJ and the City of Cleveland have filed a joint motion to terminate the 2015 consent decree, signaling confidence in the local law enforcement's commitment to constitutional policing.

Why it matters

The move to end federal oversight of the Cleveland Police Department marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the department's progress in addressing past issues of excessive force and constitutional breaches. It signals trust in the local institution's abilities to oversee its own police force while maintaining necessary safeguards and standards.

The details

The 2013 DOJ investigation into the Cleveland Police Department's practices led to the 2015 consent decree, which required systemic changes to address issues such as insufficient accountability, inadequate training, and a lack of community engagement. The reforms implemented since then have aimed to create a sustainable structure for constitutional policing in Cleveland, and the DOJ now believes the city is ready to resume full control over its local law enforcement.

  • The DOJ and the City of Cleveland filed a joint motion to terminate the consent decree on February 19, 2026.
  • The original DOJ investigation into the Cleveland Police Department's practices was conducted in 2013.

The players

Department of Justice

The U.S. Department of Justice, which conducted the 2013 investigation into the Cleveland Police Department and established the 2015 consent decree.

City of Cleveland

The local government of Cleveland, Ohio, which has worked with the DOJ to implement reforms and is now seeking to end federal oversight of the Cleveland Police Department.

Cleveland Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Cleveland, Ohio, which has undergone extensive reforms to address issues of excessive force and constitutional breaches identified in the 2013 DOJ investigation.

Harmeet K. Dhillon

The Assistant Attorney General who expressed the DOJ's confidence in the Cleveland Police Department's commitment to constitutional policing.

David M. Toepfer

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, who recognized the progress made by the Cleveland Police Department and pledged continued cooperation.

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What they’re saying

“We are proud to stand by the men and women of CDP as we take this significant step to end federal oversight and return control of local law enforcement to the City of Cleveland. We believe the City and CDP have demonstrated their commitment to constitutional policing, and it is time for Cleveland to fully utilize CDP's resources to protect Clevelanders from crime.”

— Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General (DOJ press release)

“The Division's officers should be proud of what they have accomplished. As a valuable law enforcement partner, the U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to work closely with CDP to reduce gun violence and drug trafficking, and to keep dangerous gang activity off the streets.”

— David M. Toepfer, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio (DOJ press release)

What’s next

The motion to conclude the federal oversight of the Cleveland Police Department is now in the hands of the U.S. District Court, and with the approval, it would mark the full return of control over local law enforcement activities to the City of Cleveland.

The takeaway

The DOJ's decision to endorse the end of federal oversight of the Cleveland Police Department is a significant milestone, demonstrating the department's progress in addressing past issues and the local government's commitment to maintaining constitutional policing standards. This move signals trust in the city's ability to oversee its own police force effectively while continuing to work with federal partners to address crime and public safety concerns.