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Cleveland Police Chief Talks Crime, Community-Police Relationship at Meeting

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams (Photo: Elizabeth Miller)

By Elizabeth Miller 

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams and city council members answered questions at the Glenville Recreation Center Thursday night.  More than a hundred residents attended the town hall meeting about neighborhood crime.  The evening centered on creating a sense of community and establishing a relationship between police officers and the public.  

Ward 9 Councilman Kevin Conwell introduced Chief Williams as one of Glenville’s own as residents voiced their concern, anger, and frustration with Cleveland police.  Williams and the council members remained attentive, speaking with several of the residents personally after their questions were answered.  Community members repeatedly asked why law enforcement does not take the time to get to know them.  When Abdul Kareem asked Chief Williams why the police do not reach out to the community, Williams called over Kareem and two police officers.  "Mr. Kareem, these are two officers that work in the 5th district," said Williams.  

"I want you to meet them today."

Williams noted at the beginning of the meeting that he did not want to talk about specific cases, either past or present.