A Pattern of Problems in American Cities

Last December the federal Department of Justice concluded an investigation of the Cleveland Police Department. That investigation found a pattern of excessive force in violation of the Constitution. On Monday, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson agreed to a legal settlement with the feds to overhaul his police department’s policies and practices regarding the use of force and how it handles complaints and monitors the actions of its officers. This is just the most recent police department to be scrutinized. Following the riot in Baltimore, Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced that the Dept of Justice would be launching a pattern and practice investigation of that police department as well. Local policymakers in Baltimore, Cleveland, and elsewhere, have let serious problems fester in their police departments and addressing those deficiencies is long overdue. At the same time, we should also remember that policymakers are also doing a generally poor job on a broader range of issues, including the schools. As it happens, our friends at Reason did a short film a while back titled “Saving Cleveland.” The film covers several important issues and what needs to be done.

Last week, Cato hosted an event on Capitol Hill, Lessons from Baltimore, which covers additional issues not in the Reason film. Policing, body cameras, and social welfare spending. That event can be viewed here.