I-Team: Amid staffing shortage, Cleveland detectives respond to emergencies

CLEVELAND (WJW) — The FOX 8 I-Team has found Cleveland police are so short-staffed that some detectives have to spend time on patrol responding to calls coming in on 911.

The I-Team has confirmed some Cleveland police detectives have to stop investigating crimes, then spend time in a patrol car rushing to calls.

The I-Team reviewed internal emails and daily duty assignment sheets. They show detectives patrolling the southeast side in the Cleveland Police Fourth District.

The detectives fill in on a rotating basis, filling in gaps with the city short on officers handing regular “calls for service” such as crimes in progress.

In fact, a detective on patrol last month ended up in the middle of a street takeover with people jumping on the police car.

Last week, the city council president pressed the chief with questions about detectives patrolling as crowds carried out a series of takeovers citywide on the same night.

The chief denied any patrol shortage that night.

“We had our regular patrol cars that were actively involved in this as well as specialized units which are detectives that are in plain clothes in unmarked vehicles,” said Police Chief Dorothy Todd.

We’ve heard concerns of detectives falling behind on cases they’re investigating as a result of helping with patrols.

Cleveland police spokesman Sgt. Freddy Diaz released a statement. It said:

“With awareness of the [Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association], the Fourth District Support section, which includes the detective unit, assigns officers during their tours to assist patrol with radio assignments during peak hours. However, this is not limited to the detective unit — officers from the Vice Unit, CSU, CEOs, Timekeepers, Traffic and the Commander’s administrative assistant are also called upon if needed. This is done on a rotational basis. Each day, patrol supervisors assess and inform if assistance is required. If no additional help is needed, support officers continue with their regular assignments. The support unit also has the option to assist with coverage on an overtime basis.”

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