The federal scrutiny of Cincinnati's police department could deliver some lessons for other police forces across the country.

        For years, members of the Major Cities Chiefs' Association have lobbied the U.S. Department of Justice for guidelines on changes the federal agency would suggest, Chief Tom Streicher said Friday. The chiefs have wanted the advice, he said, instead of waiting for department lawyers to visit in the wake of trouble and issue mandates.

        The Justice Department is reviewing the Cincinnati Police Division's “patterns and practices,” looking for signs of civil rights violations. The investigation is separate from the FBI's look into possible criminal wrongdoing by six SWAT officers accused of firing beanbags into a reportedly peaceful crowd after the funeral of Timothy Thomas, who was killed April 7 by Officer Steve Roach.

        “We can fight all day about these things,” Chief Streicher said. “But that won't get us as far as a cooperative effort will.”

        He spoke this week with the federal officials as part of his plans to change the 1,020-member police division in the aftermath of the shooting and the riots it helped spark. He also has met with business and other leaders who have offered suggestions.

        In progress:

        • Discussions about starting a Police Athletic League (PAL), which would pair cops with kids for sports and other activities. Many area departments have versions of the program, which began almost a century ago in New York City. Local pizza king Buddy LaRosa has pushed the idea here.

        “I'd love to do it,” the chief said. “We have similar programs. But we're talking about bringing in a full-scale effort.”

        • Other plans, the chief said, that will bring officers “closer to social issues.” Some of these ideas are coming from major local corporations, he said. He declined to elaborate now, saying the businesses wanted to wait.

        “It's wonderful that people are coming out and offering to get involved,” he said. “There's a lot of help out there that is going to work well for us.

        “We'll be working closer with kids, with families — the people who are actually our bosses.”

        He said he has been encouraged by his discussions this week with Justice officials, and he expects the talks to continue. They have talked, among other things, about the division's use-of-force policies, how well they're followed by officers and what supervisors do when officers violate them.

        “I'm more than willing to say, "Come on in here and look at us,'” the chief said. “We're not afraid of that.”

Archive of riot reports and photos

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