Lucas County commissioners back community-police code of conduct; signing planned with sheriff and police chief

The Lucas County Board of Commissioners on April 22 voted to support a community-drafted code of conduct meant to define mutual expectations between residents and law enforcement and to broaden complaint and mediation options.

Commissioner Gerken introduced the item and invited members of the Black and Brown Unity Coalition and other community leaders to speak. "This is not just about how police will act toward the community," Gerken said, framing the document as guidance for interactions on both sides.

Speakers described a lengthy organizing process that began after the demonstrations following George Floyd's murder and said the original code took about 17 months to negotiate with Toledo Police Department leadership. A speaker identified as Baltimore — who helped lead the effort with Pastor Gordon and others — said the original agreement was negotiated with Chief Kroll and then carried forward to the current police chief. Baltimore said the coalition wants the code to be used countywide and as a training curriculum for young people and community organizations.

The code, as described to the board, contains several key elements: a complaints process that offers an alternative mediation route to internal affairs; recognition of non-driver photo identification (for example, union IDs or library cards) as valid forms of ID for community members who lack state-issued driver's licenses; and guidance intended to protect due-process rights. "One of the most important elements of the code of conduct is the complaints against law enforcement officers," Baltimore said, adding that internal affairs is perceived as not transparent and that mediation can increase community confidence in complaint outcomes.

Speakers also urged separation of local policing and federal immigration enforcement. Baltimore and others criticized 287(g) deputization programs, saying they often conflate local policing with federal immigration enforcement and can harm community trust.

Darlene, identified as president of the NAACP, called the agreement "one of the most powerful pieces of legislation" she has seen in her activist work and praised the mediation provision. Pastor Gordon and Bishop Robert Culp also spoke in favor of the code and asked the sheriff to share model materials with peer counties.

Commissioner Gerken moved to support the resolution; the clerk recorded a roll-call yes from Commissioners Gerken, Lopez and Cebecchi and the motion passed. Commissioners indicated the sheriff and police chief planned to sign the document later that day. The board's supporting action is an expression of county support; the transcript indicates the signing and additional implementation steps will occur at a separate event that evening.