The Safety Committee of the Cleveland City Council convened on September 30, 2025, to address several pressing issues related to public safety and the use of technology in policing. The meeting began with a call for recommendations on how to effectively support safety initiatives, highlighting the need for the council to engage in difficult discussions about resource allocation in the future.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in policing. Council members expressed concerns about the potential for AI tools, such as surveillance cameras and ShotSpotter technology, to lead to over-policing in marginalized communities. One council member emphasized the importance of ensuring that the deployment of such technologies does not inadvertently target communities of color or economically disadvantaged areas.

In response, a representative acknowledged the limited scope of their current assignment under the consent decree, which was established in 2015. They noted that while they have not extensively examined AI's role in policing, they are open to considering its implications and will provide feedback on relevant policies, such as drone usage.

The discussion also touched on the need for ongoing operational hearings to further explore these issues and gather input from various stakeholders. Council members reiterated the importance of maintaining civil liberties while implementing new technologies in law enforcement.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the necessity of integrating diverse perspectives into the decision-making process regarding public safety and technology. The committee plans to continue these discussions in future sessions, aiming to balance effective policing with the protection of community rights.