The Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association says it will file an grievance against the city by Friday in connection with Mayor Frank Jackson's plan to replace 45 union police officers with armed security guards. The mayor proposed the redeployment amidst concerns of rising crime. City Council approved the plan Monday.
Union president Stephen Loomis said the police department will base its complaint on contract language that does not permit jobs currently held by Cleveland police officers to be out-sourced to a private company. He says moving 45 officers won't fix what has become a long-term staffing problem.
Stephen Loomis: The crime problem and the police staffing problem are a direct result of the layoffs in 2004 when this seated city council allowed that to happen. The mayor was the city council president.
Loomis says at least nine officers would likely retire rather than be reassigned. And, he says, the city will have to find additional funds to pay re-deployed officers who are currently paid by homeland security and airport funds.
Cleveland Law Director Robert Triozzi says the city's deal with police and the city charter allow for the hiring of private security guards. He says it is the same authority the safety director uses to give arrest powers to police departments at local hospitals.
Kymberli Hagelberg, 90.3.