Community leaders demand transparency in police drone surveillance amid ongoing oversight committee discussions

The City Council of Cleveland convened on January 29, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding public safety and mayoral appointments. The meeting highlighted community concerns regarding police surveillance practices and the transparency of the appointment process for the Community Police Commission (CPC).

During the session, a community member raised serious allegations about the police using unauthorized drones for surveillance, emphasizing that the community opposes such measures. The speaker argued that the justification of protecting against white supremacists should not be used to expand surveillance capabilities, asserting that this approach violates the Fourth Amendment rights of residents.

Chairman Kielinski led the meeting, thanking attendees and acknowledging the busy schedule of council members. He noted that a joint committee meeting would be scheduled to finalize mayoral nominations, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the selection process. The council is particularly focused on ensuring that the best candidates are appointed to the CPC, especially given the ongoing controversies surrounding police-community relations.

Concerns were raised about the fairness of the appointment process, with questions regarding the number of applicants and how many were physically interviewed. It was revealed that out of approximately 50 applicants, only 17 were interviewed, prompting calls for greater transparency in the selection process. The council expressed a commitment to accountability and openness, aiming to restore public trust in the commission.

Looking ahead, the council plans to address budgetary issues related to the CPC and other oversight agencies starting February 1. They also intend to seek legal opinions regarding the status of previous appointments to ensure compliance with charter provisions.

The meeting underscored the council's dedication to addressing community concerns while navigating the complexities of public safety and governance.