2022

Stop, Search & Arrest

Data Report

Cleveland Division of Police

clevelandohio.gov
 PUBLIC SAFETY DOROTHY A. TODD
Division of Police CHIEF

September 26, 2024

The Cleveland Division of Police's (CDP) first comprehensive annual Search and Seizure Report marks
an important milestone in the city’s ongoing commitment to transparency and Constitutional Policing.
This baseline data provides a foundational understanding of how stops and searches are conducted
across the city, allowing the Division to assess its practices and identify areas where improvements can
be made.

It is clear that CDP is committed to fairness and justice in an equitable way, particularly as we take a
closer look at stops and searches. Importantly, this report serves as a starting point for a more in-depth
review, ensuring that all stops, especially in black and brown communities, are conducted in a manner
that is fair, just, and consistent with the principles of Constitutional Policing.

One key takeaway from the report is the recognition of the complexity involved in studying disparities
in policing practices. Factors such as poverty, crime rates, and driving behavior all contribute to the
differences observed in stop data. CDP is committed to reviewing complaints related to search and
seizure that are made to the Office of Professional Standards, ensuring that any concerns raised by the
public are taken seriously. While the data shows differences across race, ethnicity, and gender, the
Division is using this report to analyze these numbers more closely to ensure that stops are happening
in a fair and equitable way.

It is important to acknowledge that this report reflects baseline numbers. CDP is actively analyzing
stop data, which includes a commitment to reviewing stop forms, outcomes, and approvals to verify
that all stops are justified and follow proper protocol. The Division is also evaluating the need for more
traffic stops, as we work to improve public safety, all while upholding the highest standards of justice.

This report also reflects CDP's commitment to transparency. By presenting these statistics to the public,
the Division demonstrates its dedication to accountability and its readiness to "look at the numbers."
Moving forward, CDP will continue to scrutinize its practices, ensuring that all stops are conducted
legally and equitably, always with the goal of improving community relations and ensuring that every
resident feels safe and respected.
Sincerely,

Dorothy A. Todd
Chief of Police

DAT/cj

1300 Ontario Street | Suite 929 | Cleveland, OH 44113 | T: 216-623-5005 | F: 216-623-5584 | clevelandohio.gov
 2022 Stop Report

Section I. Introduction and Overview

Within 90 days of development of the protocol, and annually thereafter, CDP will conduct an
assessment and issue a report summarizing its investigatory stop, search, and arrest data. The report
will identify significant trends in compliance with the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution,
identify which practices are most effective and efficient in increasing public safety and community
confidence in CDP, and the steps taken to correct problems and build on successes. The report will
be publicly available. [Settlement Agreement ¶264]

The purpose of this report is to summarize investigatory stop, search, and arrest data and
examine compliance with the Fourth Amendment, identify effective and efficient practices in
increasing public safety and community confidence, and consider steps to correct problems and
build on successes. This report consists of twelve months (January 1st 2022 to December 31st
2022) of Search and Seizure forms1 (also referred to as “Stop Forms”). This report provides an
overview of the stop data from paragraph 264 of the Settlement Agreement and is one of several
reports that CDP publishes on the City of Cleveland website to share information with the
community.
While this report contains demographic data, this report does not analyze any difference or
disparity in stop data among gender, race, and/or age. Studying disparity is extremely complex,
due to the myriad factors involved including poverty, police deployment, crime, racial
segregation, etc.2 3

1
Data presented throughout this report is not final and may be subject to data cleaning, which may impact totals
and calculations. The data snapshot was taken on March 7, 2024.
2
Ridgeway Greg and John Peterson. 2010. “Methods for Assessing Racially Biased Policing.” Chapter 7 in S. Rice
and M. White (eds.), 2010, Race, Ethnicity, and Policing: New and Essential Readings (NYU Press) pp. 180-204.
3
Fridell, Lorie A. 2004. By the Numbers: A Guide for Analyzing Race Data from Vehicle Stops. Police Executive
Research Forum. Funded by U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

1
Section II. Policy and Key Definitions
The list of CDP Search and Seizure policies is available in Appendix 1. CDP policies are
available at Policy & Procedures | City of Cleveland Ohio4

Key Definitions
The definitions below are taken directly from the Stop Form policy 2.02.02 Search and Seizure5,
2.02.05 Stop Forms6, unless noted otherwise.
Area of Immediate Control - the physical area within reaching distance which the person might
gain possession of a weapon, destructible evidence, or contraband.

Arrest - the taking of a person into custody by an officer based upon a warrant or probable
cause. To constitute an arrest, there must be an actual restraint of the person. The restraint may
be imposed by force or may result from the submission of the person arrested to the custody of
the officer arresting him/her. An arrest is a restraint of greater scope or duration than an
investigatory stop or detention.

Consensual Encounter - a voluntary encounter between the police and an individual with the
intent of engaging in a casual, and/or non-investigative conversation. A reasonable person in the
individual’s position would feel free to leave and/or decline any of the officer’s requests at any
point.

Curtilage - any land or building immediately adjacent to a dwelling that is directly connected to
it or in close proximity.

Investigatory Stop (Terry Stop) - a brief, minimally intrusive detention of an individual,

including the occupants of a vehicle, during which a reasonable person in the individual’s
position would not feel free to leave, as defined in Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1. To justify a stop,
the officer must have reasonable suspicion that the stopped individual has, is, or is about to
engage in criminal conduct. The stop must be based on specific, objective, articulable facts that
the officer knew before the stop. Information learned during a stop can lead to additional
reasonable suspicion or probable cause that a crime has occurred, but it cannot provide the
justification for the original stop.

Non-Custodial Interview - a voluntary and consensual investigatory interview that an officer

conducts with an individual during which the individual is free to leave and/or decline any of the
officer’s requests at any point.

Pat Down/Frisk - a limited search during an investigatory stop in which an officer conducts a
pat down of the outer clothing of a person for weapons when the officer reasonably suspects that

4
Search and Seizure Policies are located in ‘Chapter 2 Legal’ under ‘New Revisions-General Police Order’ on the
City of Cleveland website.
5
2.02.02 Search and Seizure.pdf (clevelandohio.gov)
6
2.02.05 Stop Forms.pdf (clevelandohio.gov)

2
the particular person is armed and dangerous. It is limited to what is necessary to detect weapons
and must be based on reasonable articulable suspicion that the person is armed. An officer may
not manipulate objects that are discovered under the clothing to determine whether they are
contraband.

Plain Feel Doctrine - an officer may seize an object while conducting a limited search during a
permitted pat down/frisk if its nature as contraband is immediately apparent by feel, and without
manipulation of any objects.

Probable Cause - the facts and circumstances known to the officer that would lead a reasonable
person to believe an individual has more likely than not committed or is committing a crime.

Reasonable Suspicion - an objectively, justifiable suspicion that is based on specific and

articulable facts or circumstances that justifies an officer stopping an individual that has
committed, is committing, or is about to commit an offense. Reasonable suspicion is more than a
hunch but less than probable cause. A police officer stopping an individual must be able to point
to specific facts or articulable circumstances even though the level of suspicion need not arise to
probable cause.

Traffic Stop - a stop that results from an observed traffic violation.

Stop Form– It is the policy of the Cleveland Division of Police that a stop form shall be
completed for all investigatory stops and traffic stops conducted in a public place; supervisors
shall approve, reject (return for correction), or disapprove all submitted stop forms for officers
under their supervision.

Search - a search is either a physical intrusion into a constitutionally protected area (a person,
house, paper, or effect) for the purpose of gathering information or any conduct that violates a
reasonable expectation of privacy by officers or civilians acting as an agent of law enforcement.

Search Incident to Arrest - a search of an arrested person, their personal effects, or their area of
immediate control at time of search.

Seizure - when an officer’s words or actions would cause a reasonable person to believe that he
or she is not free to leave or terminate the encounter.

Contraband - "as defined in ORC 2901.01 (A)(13), as property which by its nature is illegal to
possess (e.g., drugs, drug paraphernalia, dangerous ordnances, etc.), or is used or intended to be
used in the furtherance of criminal activity or obtained with the proceeds from criminal activity
(e.g., criminal tools, money, vehicles, cell phones, sales, dice, betting slips, etc.)."7

Race/ethnicity –Race/ethnicity is entered by the officer and based on the officer’s perception.
Sex - Sex of the subject is entered by the officer and is based on the officer’s perception.

7
Cornell Law Institute Definition

3
Age - Age of the subject is based on the subject’s date of birth at the time of the stop.

Section III. Effective and Efficient Practices, Correct Problems and Build on
Successes
In its efforts to increase public safety and community confidence, CDP developed Stop forms for
the collection of data related to traffic and investigatory stops. The forms collect a variety of data
outlined in the Settlement Agreement which provides CDP with a picture of its operations relating
to the way officers are interacting with the public when stopped, such as:

• Did officers have a reason to stop the person?

• Was the officer allowed to search the person’s car?
• Are officers targeting younger people?

While these questions were answered in the past by asking supervisors or potentially through the
complaint process, the collection of the data from the Stop forms has been a more efficient system
to review the way officers are interacting with the public. Collection of this data also added another
level of review for supervisors and CDP leadership to review compliance with the 4th Amendment
of the Constitution. Important data points collected on the Stop forms are the articulation of an
officer’s probable cause or reasonable suspicion which is required before an officer conducts a
traffic stop or investigatory stop, searches a person or vehicle, and ultimately whether the officer
makes an arrest. The Stop forms allow for easier supervisor review of this important information.

The summary of data from the Stop forms also allows the ability to identify patterns and trends in
traffic or investigatory stops, searches and arrests. As noted, supervisors are reviewing the
articulated probable cause or reasonable suspicion and returning Stop forms to officers when more
information/corrections are needed, or they can take action if the stop was improper. The collected
data also provides a snapshot of demographic data that would not have been easily accessible in
the past, which will feed the analysis that will be the basis of a subsequent annual report. The
summary of data collected also permits CDP to compare and contrast with patterns of stops seen
in other like situated cities in order to ensure that CDP is providing “best practices” to the
community in order to build the community’s confidence in CDP while helping to ensure the safety
of officers and the community during traffic and investigatory stops.

As with any system, CDP has had problems that needed to be corrected. Due to the
configuration of CDP’s multiple software systems and officers being human beings, CDP has
experienced problems with missing or conflicting data. CDP continues to address these problems
through the Division’s system administrator on an individual officer and supervisor level,
helping to inform the importance of careful entry into the software systems. The Division is also
exploring a more consolidated software configuration that will reduce the number of times
officers are entering data into systems, as well as populating as much information as possible for
the officer. Both of which are intended to reduce human error and reduce missing or conflicting

4
data. CDP has also experienced problems with the operation of the software program that
collects the Stop form data.
CDP and the City of Cleveland are committed to continuing the progress of building confidence
with the community while complying the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. As noted the
CDP is exploring a system configuration that will improve the accuracy and efficiency of data
collection. CDP will produce a report that delves deeper into the data collected that can be used to
inform Division training and policy, as well as helping the CDP understand the trends in stops,
searches and arrests. CDP is continuing work that will allow for data collected to be securely
shared with the public.

Section IV. Stop Data

There were a total of 16,4638 stop forms from January 1st to December 31st 20229. Of the total
stops, 15,467 (94%) were traffic stops and 996 (6%) were investigatory stops (Figure 1).
Approximately, 66% of all individuals stopped were Cleveland residents and 34% were not
residents of Cleveland. This report distinguishes between resident and non-resident10. Figures 2
and 3 display the number of traffic and investigatory stop forms by district, respectively.
Figure 1-Total Forms by Type of Stop

8
One stop form is excluded from the analyses in this report since it is missing data in subject city of residence.
9
All of the data in this report are obtained from the Stop forms unless stated otherwise.
10
‘Resident’ is defined as an individual with a value of ‘Cleveland’ as the city in the address section as listed on the
data collection form. ‘Non-resident’ is defined as an individual with a city other than Cleveland as the city in the
address section as listed on the data collection form.

5
Figure 2-Total Traffic Stops by District and Residential Status

Figure 3-Total Investigatory Stops by District and Residential Status

6
Individual Demographics
Figure 4 displays individual race, ethnicity, and gender data based on officer perception among
traffic stop forms.
Figure 4-Total Traffic Stops by Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Residential Status

Total stops by race, ethnicity, and gender among traffic stops are provided below.
• 36% of all traffic stops involved Black or African American males.
• 24% of all traffic stops involved Black or African American females.
• 18% of all traffic stops involved White males.
• 10% of all traffic stops involved White females.
• 6% of all traffic stops involved Hispanic males.
• 3% of all traffic stops involved Hispanic females.

7
Figure 5 displays individual race, ethnicity, and gender based on officer perception among
investigatory stop forms.
Figure 5-Total Investigatory Stops by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status

Total stops by race, ethnicity, and gender among investigatory stops are provided below.
• 51% of all investigatory stops involved Black or African American males.
• 17% of all investigatory stops involved White males.
• 11% of all investigatory stops involved Black or African American females.
• 9% of all investigatory stops involved White females.
• 7% of all investigatory stops involved Hispanic males.
• 2% of all investigation stops involved Hispanic females.

8
Figure 6 displays the count of traffic stop forms by the individual’s age group11. Approximately
38% of traffic stop forms involved individuals between 18-29, followed by 27% involving
individuals between 30-39 years old, and rounding out the top three age groups are individuals
50 years old and above making up 19% of all traffic stops.
Figure 6-Total Traffic Stops by Age Group

Figure 7 displays the count of investigatory stop forms by the individual’s age group12.
Approximately one out of every four investigatory stops involved an individual between 18-29
years old at 26%, followed by individuals between 30-39 years old at 24%, and individuals 50
years old and above made up 21% of individuals stopped.
Figure 7-Total Investigatory Stops by Age Group

11
The ‘Out-of-Range’ category refers to date of birth values greater than the date of the stop.
12
The ‘Out-of-Range’ category refers to date of birth values greater than the date of the stop.

9
Decision to stop13
As seen in Table 1, the most common basis for probable cause14 among traffic stops included:
‘Speeding’, ‘Ran Stop Light’, and ‘Ran Stop Sign’. There can be more than one discrete basis for
probable cause per traffic form, therefore the total probable cause types will be greater than the
number of traffic stop forms and the percent will not equal 100. Further analyses by age group
reveals that the top three most frequent basis for probable cause by age group overlaps with all
traffic stops. The table is contained in appendix 6.
Table 1-Basis for Probable Cause Types among Traffic Stops

Probable Cause Type Total Total Percent of

Traffic Traffic Stop
Stop Forms Forms
Speeding 5833 15467 37.7%
Ran Stop Light 4097 15467 26.5%
Ran Stop Sign 2500 15467 16.2%
Driving Wrong Direction 2408 15467 15.6%
Expired License Plates/Not Visible 2118 15467 13.7%
Seatbelt Violation 1918 15467 12.4%
Failure to Come to a Complete Stop 1803 15467 11.7%
Observed Traffic Violation 1010 15467 6.5%
Window Tint 815 15467 5.3%
Change of Course 742 15467 4.8%
Failure to Use Turn Signal/Improper 668 15467 4.3%
Turn Signal Use
Expired/Suspended Drivers License 637 15467 4.1%
Improper Turn 615 15467 4.0%
Sign Violation 413 15467 2.7%
Prohibited Route 375 15467 2.4%
Driving with No Lights 367 15467 2.4%
No Turn on Red 335 15467 2.2%
Insufficient Working Headlights 297 15467 1.9%
Unsafe Vehicle 272 15467 1.8%
Obstructed View 264 15467 1.7%
License Plate Illumination 253 15467 1.6%
Observed Traffic Stop 247 15467 1.6%

13
Tables 1 and 2 do not distinguish between primary and secondary offenses, the lists include secondary offenses.
14
For every Stop Form that results in a traffic violation, officers provide a basis for probable cause. This field is
open-ended, requiring officers to articulate the reason for the stop via narrative. Based on an analysis of the data
in these fields, a set of categories were developed to categorize the probable cause as written by the officer. These
categories may be single words (e.g., “Accident,” “Warrant”) or multiple words (e.g., “Ran Stop Light,” “Window
Tint”).

10
Fictitious Plates 200 15467 1.3%
Temporary Tag Violation 198 15467 1.3%
Turn Only Lane 166 15467 1.1%
Unoccupied Vehicle 137 15467 0.9%
Insufficient Working Taillights 135 15467 0.9%
Failure to Yield Right of Way 132 15467 0.9%
Parking Violation 121 15467 0.8%
Equipment Violation 117 15467 0.8%
Expired/Suspended Vehicle 113 15467 0.7%
Registration
U-Turn 112 15467 0.7%
Other 110 15467 0.7%
Loud Music 102 15467 0.7%
Stolen Plates 97 15467 0.6%
Bicycle Lane Violation 94 15467 0.6%
Reckless Operation 94 15467 0.6%
Oversize Vehicle 85 15467 0.5%
Shortcutting 82 15467 0.5%
Impeding Traffic Flow 65 15467 0.4%
Warrant 62 15467 0.4%
Accident 57 15467 0.4%
Drugs 52 15467 0.3%
No Passing Zone 51 15467 0.3%
Excessive Muffler Noise 39 15467 0.3%
Fleeing 39 15467 0.3%
Insufficient Working Brakelights 33 15467 0.2%
Loitering/Soliciting 29 15467 0.2%
Off-Road Vehicle on City Street 29 15467 0.2%
Prohibited Stop 28 15467 0.2%
Failure to Dim High Beams 25 15467 0.2%
Peeling/Squealing Tires 25 15467 0.2%
Failure to Control Motor Vehicle 22 15467 0.1%
Alcohol 21 15467 0.1%
Littering 18 15467 0.1%
Stolen Vehicle 17 15467 0.1%
Plain View 15 15467 0.1%
Following Too Closely 14 15467 0.1%
Oversize Load 13 15467 0.1%
Full Time and Attention 12 15467 0.1%
Road Closure 12 15467 0.1%
Soliciting 12 15467 0.1%

11
 Shooting 11 15467 0.1%
Weapon 10 15467 0.1%
Asleep at the Wheel 8 15467 0.1%
Vehicle Tow 8 15467 0.1%
Disobeyed Traffic Control Device 7 15467 0.0%
Distracted Driving 5 15467 0.0%
Child Restraint 4 15467 0.0%
Intoxication 4 15467 0.0%
Open Door Violation 3 15467 0.0%
Robbery Suspect 3 15467 0.0%
Backfire 2 15467 0.0%
Multiple License Plates 2 15467 0.0%
Unlawful Entrustment 2 15467 0.0%
Jaywalking 1 15467 0.0%

Figure 8-Basis for Probable Cause Types among Traffic Stops (Word Cloud)

As seen in Table 2, the most common basis for reasonable suspicion15 among investigatory stops
included: ‘Individual Matched Description’, ‘Drugs’, and ‘Alcohol’. There can be more than one
discrete basis for reasonable suspicion per investigatory form therefore the total reasonable
suspicion types will be greater than the number of investigatory stop forms and the percent will
not equal 100. Further analyses by age group reveals that the top three most frequent basis for

15
For every Stop Form that results in an investigatory stop, officers provide a basis for reasonable suspicion for
investigatory stops. This field is open-ended, requiring officers to articulate the reason for the stop via narrative.
Based on an analysis of the data in these fields, a set of categories were developed to categorize the reasonable
suspicion as written by the officer. These categories may be single words (e.g., “Accident,” “Warrant”) or multiple
words (e.g., “Ran Stop Light,” “Window Tint”).

12
reasonable suspicion by age group overlaps with all investigatory stops. The table is contained in
appendix 7.
Table 2-Basis for Reasonable Suspicion among Investigatory Stops

Reasonable Suspicion Type Total Total Percent of

Investigatory Investigatory
Stop Forms Stop Forms
Individual Matched Description 204 996 20.5%
Drugs 166 996 16.7%
Alcohol 132 996 13.3%
Warrant 96 996 9.6%
Theft 85 996 8.5%
Vehicle Matched Description 85 996 8.5%
Weapon 67 996 6.7%
Ran Stop Light 65 996 6.5%
Parking Violation 58 996 5.8%
Prior Interaction 55 996 5.5%
Shooting 54 996 5.4%
License Plates/Tags Not Visible 50 996 5.0%
Other 49 996 4.9%
Stolen Vehicle 49 996 4.9%
Observed Traffic Violation 48 996 4.8%
Soliciting 48 996 4.8%
Assault 44 996 4.4%
Third Party Caller 41 996 4.1%
Assisting Other Officers 40 996 4.0%
Fleeing 40 996 4.0%
Accident 38 996 3.8%
Trespassing 38 996 3.8%
Threatening 34 996 3.4%
Prohibited Route 33 996 3.3%
Robbery 33 996 3.3%
Fictitious Plates 32 996 3.2%
Asleep at the Wheel 29 996 2.9%
Impeding Traffic Flow 25 996 2.5%
Change of Course 21 996 2.1%
LEADS 18 996 1.8%
Plain View 17 996 1.7%
Harassment 15 996 1.5%
Fighting 14 996 1.4%
Ran Stop Sign 14 996 1.4%
Burglary 13 996 1.3%

13
Prostitution 12 996 1.2%
Unsafe Vehicle 12 996 1.2%
Vehicle as Weapon 12 996 1.2%
Speeding 11 996 1.1%
Window Tint 10 996 1.0%
Disabled Vehicle 9 996 0.9%
Breaking & Entering 8 996 0.8%
Expired License Plates/Tags 8 996 0.8%
Loitering 8 996 0.8%
Homicide 7 996 0.7%
Consensual Encounter 6 996 0.6%
Curfew Violation 6 996 0.6%
Domestic Issue 6 996 0.6%
Permit Violation 6 996 0.6%
Abandoned Vehicle 5 996 0.5%
Stabbing 5 996 0.5%
Temporary Tag Violation 5 996 0.5%
Disobeyed Lawful Order 4 996 0.4%
Indecent Exposure 4 996 0.4%
Insufficient Working Headlights 4 996 0.4%
Jaywalking 4 996 0.4%
Missing Person 4 996 0.4%
Verbal Altercation 4 996 0.4%
Crisis Intervention 3 996 0.3%
Off-Road Vehicle on City Streets 3 996 0.3%
Property Damage 3 996 0.3%
Loud Music 2 996 0.2%
Disorderly Conduct 1 996 0.1%
Fresh Crime in Progress 1 996 0.1%
Hiding Evidence 1 996 0.1%
Insufficient Working Brake lights 1 996 0.1%
Kidnapping 1 996 0.1%
Reckless Operation 1 996 0.1%
Sexual Assault 1 996 0.1%
Suspicious Activity 1 996 0.1%

14
Figure 9- Basis for Reasonable Suspicion among Investigatory Stops (Word Cloud)

Outcomes during Stops

Figures 10 and 11 contain the disposition information among traffic and investigatory stops,
respectively.
Figure 10a-Disposition Information among Traffic Stops for Residents

Figure 10b-Disposition Information among Traffic Stops for Non-Residents

15
Figure 11a-Disposition Information among Investigatory Stops for Residents

Figure 11b-Disposition Information among Investigatory Stops for Non-Residents

Citation Issued Overview

In approximately three out of every four traffic stops, a citation was issued (Figures 10a and
10b). As seen in Figure 12, traffic offenses (Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 4) made up a
majority of the reason for the citation followed by misdemeanor offenses (Cleveland Codified
Ordinance Part 6). Figure 13 displays citation by race, ethnicity, and gender among traffic stops.

16
Figure 12-Citation Reason among Traffic Stop

Figure 13-Citation by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status among Traffic Stops

17
Citation rates are provided below by race, ethnicity, and gender among traffic stops.
• 77% of Black or African American females stopped for a traffic violation were issued a
citation.
• 77% of Hispanic males stopped for a traffic violation were issued a citation.
• 77% of White females stopped for a traffic violation were issued a citation.
• 77% of White males stopped for a traffic violation were issued a citation.
• 75% of Hispanic females stopped for a traffic violation were issued a citation.
• 71% of Black or African Americans males stopped for a traffic violation were issued a
citation.
A citation was issued in 30% of investigatory stops involving residents and 28% involving non-
residents. As seen in Figure 14, misdemeanor offenses (Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 6)
made up a majority of the reason for the citation followed by traffic offenses (Cleveland
Codified Ordinance Part 4). Figure 15 provides citation by race, ethnicity, and gender among
investigatory stops.
Figure 14-Citation Reason among Investigatory Stops

18
Figure 15-Citation by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status among Investigatory Stops

Citation rates are provided below by race, ethnicity, and gender among investigatory stops.
• 34% of Black or African American females stopped for an investigatory violation were
issued a citation.
• 33% of White females stopped for an investigatory violation were issued a citation.
• 30% of Black or African American males stopped for an investigatory violation were
issued a citation.
• 29% of White males stopped for an investigatory violation were issued a citation.
• 19% of Hispanic females stopped for an investigatory violation were issued a citation.
• 13% of Hispanic males stopped for an investigatory violation were issued a citation.

19
Arrest Overview

In approximately 3% of all traffic stops the individual was arrested. As seen in Table 3, the most
common reasons for arrest among traffic stops included: ‘Warrant-Felony’, ‘Warrant-
Misdemeanor’, and ‘ORC-Weapons Offense’.
Table 3-Arrest Reason among Traffic Stops

Arrest Reason Total

Warrant- Felony - Traffic - Resident 109
Warrant- Misdemeanor - Traffic - Resident 87
ORC- Weapons Offense - Traffic - Resident 80
ORC-Drug Offense - Traffic - Resident 54
Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 4 - Traffic - Resident 51
Multiple - Traffic - Resident 47
Warrant- Misdemeanor - Traffic - Non-Resident 34
Warrant- Felony - Traffic - Non-Resident 29
ORC- Weapons Offense - Traffic - Non-Resident 23
Other - Traffic - Resident 23
Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 6 - Traffic - Resident 16
ORC-Drug Offense - Traffic - Non-Resident 15
Multiple - Traffic - Non-Resident 13
Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 4 - Traffic - non-Resident 12
ORC- Theft - Traffic - Resident 5
Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 6 - Traffic - Non-Resident 4
Obstructing Official Business - Traffic - Resident 4
ORC-Assaults - Traffic - Resident 4
Other - Traffic - Non-Resident 4
ORC- Miscellaneous Offense - Traffic - Resident 3
ORC- Offense Against the Family - Traffic - Resident 3
ORC- Offense Against Justice - Traffic - Non-Resident 2
ORC- Title 45 - Traffic - Resident 2
ORC-Assaults - Traffic - Non-Resident 2
Obstructing Official Business - Traffic - Non-Resident 1
ORC - Offense Against Public Peace - Traffic - Resident 1
ORC- Burglary - Traffic - Resident 1
ORC- Homicide - Traffic - Resident 1
ORC- Offense Against the Family - Traffic - Non-Resident 1
ORC- Sex Offense - Traffic - Non-Resident 1
ORC- Theft - Traffic - Non-Resident 1
ORC- Title 45 - Traffic - Non-Resident 1
ORC-Arson Related Offense - Traffic - Resident 1
ORC-Assault on a Police Officer - Traffic - Non-Resident 1
ORC-Assault on a Police Officer - Traffic - Resident 1
20
Figure 16 provides arrest totals by race, ethnicity, and gender among traffic stops.
Figure 16-Arrest by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status among Traffic Stops

Arrest rates are listed below by race, ethnicity, and gender among traffic stops.
• 5% of Black or African Americans males were arrested during a during a traffic stop.
• 3% of Hispanic males were arrested during a traffic stop.
• 2% of Hispanic females were arrested during a traffic stop.
• 2% of White males were arrested during a traffic stop.
• 1% of Black or African American females were arrested during a traffic stop.
• 1% of White females were arrested during a traffic stop.

21
Tables 4 to 6 list the top three16 arrest reasons among Black or African American, Hispanic, and
White individuals arrested during traffic stops.
Table 4-Top Three Arrest Reasons among Black or African American Individuals during Traffic Stops

Top Arrest Reasons Among Black or African American Individuals during Traffic Stops
Resident Warrant- Felony - Traffic - Resident 80
ORC- Weapons Offense - Traffic - Resident 67
Warrant- Misdemeanor - Traffic - Resident 59
Non-Resident Warrant- Misdemeanor - Traffic - Non-Resident 23
ORC- Weapons Offense - Traffic - Non-Resident 21
Warrant- Felony - Traffic - Non-Resident 19

Table 5- Top Three Arrest Reasons among Hispanic Individuals during Traffic Stops

Top Arrest Reasons Among Hispanic Individuals during Traffic Stops

Resident Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 4 - Traffic - Resident 9
Warrant- Misdemeanor - Traffic - Resident 8
ORC- Weapons Offense - Traffic - Resident 7
Non-Resident Warrant- Misdemeanor - Traffic - Non-Resident 2

Table 6- Top Three Arrest Reasons among White Individuals during Traffic Stops

Top Arrest Reasons Among White Individuals during Traffic Stops

Resident Warrant- Felony - Traffic - Resident 22
Warrant- Misdemeanor - Traffic - Resident 20
ORC-Drug Offense - Traffic - Resident 14
Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 4 - Traffic - Resident 14
Non-Resident Warrant- Misdemeanor - Traffic - Non-Resident 9
Warrant- Felony - Traffic - Non-Resident 8
Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 4 - Traffic - Non-Resident 4

16
The top three arrest reasons are presented and any values under two are excluded from Table 4, Table 5, and
Table 6.

22
In approximately 25% of all investigatory stops the individual was arrested. As seen in Table 7,
the most common reasons for arrest among investigatory stops included: ‘Warrant-Felony’,
‘Multiple’17 and ‘ORC-Weapon Offense’, followed by ‘ORC-Drug Offense’. Figure 17 provides
arrest totals by race, ethnicity, and gender among investigatory stops.
Table 7-Arrest Reason among Investigatory Stops

Arrest Reason Total

Warrant- Felony - Investigatory - Resident 45
Multiple - Investigatory - Resident 36
ORC- Weapons Offense - Investigatory - Resident 36
ORC-Drug Offense - Investigatory - Resident 34
Warrant- Misdemeanor - Investigatory - Resident 28
Other - Investigatory - Resident 21
Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 6 - Investigatory - Resident 15
ORC- Theft - Investigatory - Resident 14
ORC-Drug Offense - Investigatory - Non-Resident 13
ORC- Robbery - Investigatory - Resident 11
ORC- Burglary - Investigatory - Resident 10
Warrant- Felony - Investigatory - Non-Resident 10
ORC- Offense Against the Family - Investigatory - Resident 8
ORC-Assaults - Investigatory - Resident 7
ORC- Weapons Offense - Investigatory - Non-Resident 6
Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 4 - Investigatory - Resident 5
Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 6 - Investigatory - Non-Resident 4
Multiple - Investigatory - Non-Resident 4
Other - Investigatory - Non-Resident 4
Warrant- Misdemeanor - Investigatory - Non-Resident 4
ORC- Offense Against Justice - Investigatory - Resident 3
Obstructing Official Business - Investigatory - Resident 2
ORC - Offense Against Public Peace - Investigatory - Resident 2
ORC- Homicide - Investigatory - Resident 2
ORC- Miscellaneous Offense - Investigatory - Non-Resident 2
ORC- Miscellaneous Offense - Investigatory - Resident 2
ORC-Assault on a Police Officer - Investigatory - Resident 2
ORC-Assaults - Investigatory - Non-Resident 2
Resisting Arrest - Investigatory - Resident 2
Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 4 - Investigatory - non-Resident 1
ORC - Offense Against Public Peace - Investigatory - Non-Resident 1
ORC- Corrupt Activity - Investigatory - Resident 1
ORC- Robbery - Investigatory - Non-Resident 1

17
‘Multiple’ refers to more than one offense from the response option list.

23
 ORC- Sex Offense - Investigatory - Non-Resident 1
ORC- Theft - Investigatory - Non-Resident 1
ORC-Assault on a Police Officer - Investigatory - Non-Resident 1
ORC-Fraud - Investigatory - Resident 1
Resisting Arrest - Investigatory - Non-Resident 1

Figure 17-Arrest by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status among Investigatory Stops

Arrest rates are listed below by race, ethnicity, and gender among investigatory stops.
• 34% of Hispanic males involved in an investigatory stop were arrested.
• 28% of Black or African Americans males involved in an investigatory stop were
arrested.
• 25% of White males involved in an investigatory stop were arrested.
• 18% of White females18 involved in an investigatory stop were arrested.
• 13% of Black or African American females19 involved in an investigatory stop were
arrested.
• 6% of Hispanic females20 involved in an investigatory stop were arrested.

18
Among the 16 White females arrested, the most common charge was ‘Warrant-Felony,’ among 9 individuals.
19
Among the 15 Black or African American females arrested, the most common charge was ‘Warrant-Felony,’
among 3 individuals.
20
The Hispanic female arrested during an investigatory stop was arrested for ‘ORC-Drug Offense’.

24
 Tables 8 to 10 list the top three21 arrest reasons among Black or African American, Hispanic, and
White individuals arrested during investigatory stops.
Table 8- Top Three Arrest Reasons among Black or African American Individuals during Investigatory Stops

Top Arrest Reasons Among Black or African American Individuals during Investigatory Stops
Resident ORC- Weapons Offense - Investigatory - Resident 32
Warrant- Felony - Investigatory - Resident 28
Multiple - Investigatory – Resident 26
Non-Resident ORC- Weapons Offense - Investigatory - Non-Resident 6
ORC-Drug Offense - Investigatory - Non-Resident 6
Multiple - Investigatory - Non-Resident 4
Warrant- Felony - Investigatory - Non-Resident 3

Table 9- Top Three Arrest Reasons among Hispanic Individuals during Investigatory Stops

Top Arrest Reasons Among Hispanic Individuals during Investigatory Stops

Resident ORC-Drug Offense - Investigatory - Resident 6
Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 6 - Investigatory - Resident 4
Warrant- Felony - Investigatory - Resident 3
Multiple - Investigatory - Resident 3

Table 10- Top Three Arrest Reasons among White Individuals during Investigatory Stops

Top Arrest Reasons Among White Individuals during Investigatory Stops

Resident Warrant- Felony - Investigatory - Resident 14
Warrant- Misdemeanor - Investigatory - Resident 11
Multiple - Investigatory - Resident 6
Non-Resident Warrant- Felony - Investigatory - Non-Resident 6
ORC-Drug Offense - Investigatory - Non-Resident 4
Other - Investigatory - Non-Resident 3
Warrant- Misdemeanor - Investigatory - Non-Resident 3

Verbal Warning
Officers gave a verbal warning in approximately 22% of traffic stops involving residents and
21% of traffic stops involving non-residents. Among investigatory stops, officers gave a verbal
warning in approximately 14% of investigatory stops involving residents and 11% of
investigatory stops involving non-residents.

21
The top three arrest reasons are presented and any values under two are excluded from tables 8 to 10.

25
Force used22
At the time of publication, there were a total of 32 Stop forms with force used listed on
the Stop Report. Based on the incident number, 22 of the 32 Stop forms that list force was used
had a matching Use of Force report.
A match criteria was conducted to determine if there was a Use of Force incident among
the ten stop forms that list force used. The criteria in the comparison included: officer name,
individual name, and location. One of the ten Stop forms matched on the criteria and had a
different Use of Force incident number. While conducting the match criteria, Data Team noticed
the question pertaining to use of force on the Stop form is a single question and contains force
levels (1, 2, and 3) and ‘none’23. Moving forward, when the Division is in a position to make
changes to data collection forms, the recommendation is to split this question into two separate
questions. The first question would be ‘was force used’ (yes and no as the response options) and
if so then the second question would be ‘What force level was used’ (Level 1, Level-2, and
Level-3 as the response options).
A majority (20 out of the 22) of the verified Stop forms with a matching Use of Force
report matched on the level of force. The Data Team is working with the Office of Information
and Technology on establishing a record of source since the same information is tracked in
multiple data collection systems. This mapping exercise is still in progress. The levels of force
are provided below and are taken from GPO 2.01.01 Use of Force Definitions.
General Police Order 2.01.01 Use of Force-Definitions
Levels of Force:
Level 1 Use of Force: Force that is reasonably likely to cause only transient pain and/or
disorientation during its application as a means of gaining compliance, including pressure point
compliance and joint manipulation techniques, but that is not reasonably expected to cause
injury, does not result in an actual injury and does not result in a complaint of injury. It does not
include escorting, touching, or handcuffing a subject with no or minimal resistance. Un-
holstering a firearm and pointing it at a subject is reportable as a Level 1 use of force.
Level 2 Use of Force: Force that causes an injury, could reasonably be expected to cause an
injury, or results in a complaint of an injury, but does not rise to the level of a Level 3 use of
force. Level 2 includes the use of a CEW, including where a CEW is fired at a subject but
misses; OC Spray application; weaponless defense techniques (e.g., elbow or closed-fist strikes,
kicks, leg sweeps, and takedowns); use of an impact weapon or beanbag shotgun, except for a
strike to the head, neck or face with an impact weapon or beanbag shotgun; and any canine
apprehension that involves contact.

22
General Police Order 2.01.01 Use of Force-Definitions contains the terminology used in the Cleveland Division of
Police Use of Force Policies and is available at https://www.clevelandohio.gov/sites/clevelandohio/files/policies-
procedures/2.01.01%20Definitions%20(r).pdf
23
See Appendix 5 for a screenshot of the ‘force used’ on the stop form via the website.

26
 Level 3 Use of Force: Force that includes uses of deadly force; uses of force resulting in death
or serious physical harm; uses of force resulting in hospital confinement due to a use of force
injury; all neck holds; uses of force resulting in a loss of consciousness; canine bite; more than
three applications of a CEW on an individual during a single interaction, regardless of the mode
or duration of the application, and regardless of whether the applications are by the same or
different officers; a CEW application for longer than 15 seconds, whether continuous or
consecutive; and any Level 2 use of force against a handcuffed subject.
As seen in Figure 18, 0.6% of all traffic stops involved a use of force. The distribution across
force levels is listed below as provided in the Stop report24.
• Level-1
o 8 incidents
• Level-2
o 1 incident
• Level-3
o 1 incident

Figure 18- Whether Force Used among Traffic Stops and if so Level of Force by Resident Status

24
The Stop report does not specify the total number of ‘Level-1 Firearm Point’ among the ‘Level-1’.

27
As seen in Figure 19, 2.2% of all investigatory stops involved a use of force. The distribution
across force levels is listed below as provided in the Stop report25.
• Level-1
o 15 incidents
• Level-2
o 3 incidents
• Level-3
o 4 incidents
Figure 19-Whether Force Used Among Investigatory Stops and if so Level of Force by Resident Status

25
The Stop report does not specify the total number of ‘Level-1 Firearm Point’ among the ‘Level-1’.

28
Subject Search Overview

As seen in Figure 20, 7% of all traffic stops involved a subject search.

Figure 20-Subject Searched among Traffic Stops

29
Figure 21 displays the search types26 during all traffic stops. As seen in Figure 21, the most
common subject search types among traffic stops include: Pat Down Frisk, Incident to Arrest27,
and Consent Search.

Figure 21-Subject Search Type among Traffic Stops

26
There may be multiple search types per individual. Therefore, the number of search types will be greater than
the number of individuals searched.
27
“Officers may, incident to arrest, search both an arrestee’s person and the area within the arrestee’s immediate
control in order to recover weapons, evidence, or a means of escape. Searches of various areas, environments, or
items must comply with the following parameters: Vehicles, Residence, Personal Items, Electronic devices” (GPO
2.02.02).

30
Figure 22 displays information regarding subject searched and contraband seized by residential
status among traffic stops. Figure 23 lists subject searched by race, ethnicity, gender, and
residential status among traffic stops.
Figure 22-Subject Contraband Seized during Traffic Stops

Figure 23- Subject Searched by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status among Traffic Stops

Below are the subject search rates by race, ethnicity, and gender among traffic stops.
• 14% of Black or African Americans males involved in a traffic stop were searched.
• 7% of Hispanic males involved in a traffic stop were searched.
• 4% of White males involved in a traffic stop were searched.
• 3% of Hispanic females involved in a traffic stop were searched.
• 2% of Black or African American females involved in a traffic stop were searched.
• 2% of White females involved in a traffic stop were searched.
31
Figure 24 contains information regarding subject searched and contraband seized across race and
gender28 among traffic stops.
Figure 24-Subject Searched and Contraband Seized by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status among Traffic Stops

Overall, contraband was seized in 17% of traffic stops involving a subject search. Below are the
contraband seized rates by race, ethnicity, and gender among traffic stops.
• Contraband was seized in 25% of subject searches involving White females.
• Contraband was seized in 18% of subject searches involving White males.
• Contraband was seized in 17% of subject searches involving Black or African American
males.
• Contraband was seized in 17% of subject searches involving Hispanic females.
• Contraband was seized in 13% of subject searches involving Hispanic males.
• Contraband was seized in 10% of subject searches involving Black or African American
females.

28
This table does not include individuals with ‘unknown’ value selected under race (315 individuals).

32
Table 11 and Table 12 list the top three contraband types seized during subject search among
traffic stops among residents and non-residents, respectively.
Table 11-Top Three Contraband Type Seized during Subject Search among Traffic Stops for Residents

Subject Contraband Seized - Traffic - Resident29

Black Male Drugs - Marijuana - 39
Firearm - 27
Drug Paraphernalia - 18
Black Female Firearm - 3
Drugs - Marijuana - 2
Drug Paraphernalia - 2
Unknown Male Firearm - 3
Drugs - Marijuana - 39
White Male Drugs - Marijuana - 4
Drugs - Heroin - 4
Drug Paraphernalia - 4
Drugs - Cocaine - 2
Drugs - Naloxone - 2
Drugs - Crack - 2
Currency - 2
White Female Drug Paraphernalia - 3
Hispanic Male Drugs - Marijuana - 4
Firearm - 3
Alcohol - 2

Table 12- Top Three Contraband Type Seized during Subject Search among Traffic Stops for Non-Residents

Subject Contraband Seized - Traffic - Non-Resident30

Black Male Drugs - Marijuana - 14
Firearm - 5
Currency - 4
White Male Drug Paraphernalia - 2
Drugs - Pills - 2
White Female Drug Paraphernalia - 2

29
The top three types of contraband are presented and any values under two are excluded from the table.
30
The top three types of contraband are presented and any values under two are excluded from the table.

33
As seen in Figure 25, 46% of all investigatory stops involved a subject search.
Figure 25-Subject Searched among Investigatory Stops

34
Figure 26 displays the search types31 during all investigatory stops. As seen in Figure 26, the
most common subject search types among investigatory stops include: Pat Down Frisk, Incident
to Arrest32, and Multiple Search Types33.
Figure 26-Subject Search Type among Investigatory Stops

31
There may be multiple search types per individual. Therefore, the number of search types will be greater than
the number of individuals searched.
32
“Officers may, incident to arrest, search both an arrestee’s person and the area within the arrestee’s immediate
control in order to recover weapons, evidence, or a means of escape. Searches of various areas, environments, or
items must comply with the following parameters: Vehicles, Residence, Personal Items, Electronic devices” (GPO
2.02.02).
33
Multiple refers to any combination of the search type categories. The search type categories include: Pat Down
Frisk, Incident to Arrest, Consent Search, and Exigent Circumstance.

35
Figure 27 displays information regarding subject searched and contraband seized by residential
status among investigatory stops.
Figure 27- Subject Contraband Seized during Investigatory Stops

Figure 28 displays information regarding subject searched and contraband seized by residential
status among investigatory stops.
Figure 28- Subject Searched by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status during Investigatory Stops

36
Figure 29 contains information regarding subject searched and contraband seized across race and
gender34among investigatory stops.
Below are the subject search rates by race, ethnicity, and gender among investigatory stops.
• 67% of Hispanic males involved in an investigatory stop were searched.
• 52% of Black or African Americans males involved in an investigatory stop were
searched.
• 43% of White males involved in an investigatory stop were searched.
• 35% of White females involved in an investigatory stop were searched.
• 22% of Black or African American females involved in an investigatory were searched.
• 19% of Hispanic females involved in an investigatory stop were searched.
Figure 29- Subject Searched and Contraband Seized by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status among Investigatory
Stops

Overall, contraband was seized in 38% of investigatory stops involving a subject search. Below
are the contraband seized rates by race, ethnicity, and gender among investigatory stops.
• Contraband was seized in 49% of subject searches involving Hispanic males.
• Contraband was seized in 45% of subject searches involving White females.
• Contraband was seized in 38% of subject searches involving Black or African American
males.
• Contraband was seized in 35% of subject searches involving White males.
• Contraband was seized in 33% of subject searches involving Hispanic females.
• Contraband was seized in 32% of subject searches involving Black or African American
females.

34
This table does not include individuals with ‘unknown’ value selected under race (24 individuals).

37
Table 13 and Table 14 list the top three contraband types seized during subject search among
investigatory stops.
Table 13- Top Three Contraband Type Seized during Subject Search among Investigatory Stops for Residents

Subject Contraband Seized - Investigatory - Resident35

Black Male Firearm - 22
Drugs - Marijuana - 21
Drugs - Crack - 16
Black Female Firearm -3
Drug Paraphernalia - 3
White Male Drug Paraphernalia - 5
Firearm - 4
Drugs - Other - 3
Knife - 3
White Female Drug Paraphernalia - 5
Drugs - Marijuana - 4
Hispanic Male Firearm - 5
Drugs - Marijuana - 5
Drugs - Crack - 4
Ammunition - 3
Drugs - Pills - 3
Drug Paraphernalia - 3

Table 14- Top Three Contraband Type Seized during Subject Search among Investigatory Stops for Non-Residents

Subject Contraband Seized - Investigatory - Non-Resident36

Black Male Drugs - Crack - 5
Drugs - Marijuana - 4
Drug Paraphernalia - 4
Firearm - 3
Cell Phone - 3
Other - 3
Unknown Male Cell Phone - 2
White Male Drug Paraphernalia - 2
Drugs - Crack - 2
Drugs - Heroin - 2
Drugs - Other - 2
White Female Drugs - Heroin - 2
Hispanic Male Drugs - Marijuana - 2

35
The top three contraband types are presented and any values under two are excluded from the table.
36
The top three contraband types are presented and any values under two are excluded from the table.

38
Vehicle Search Overview

As seen in Figure 30, 9% of vehicles were searched during traffic stops.

Figure 30- Vehicle Searched among Traffic Stops

39
Figure 31 displays the type of vehicle searches conducted during traffic stops. As seen in Figure
31 the most common vehicle search types among traffic stops include: ‘vehicle inventory
search37’, ‘vehicle consent search’, and ‘vehicle plain view’.
Figure 31-Vehicle Search Type among Traffic Stops

37
“When a vehicle is towed, under state law or city ordinance, an inventory search of the vehicle shall be
conducted to protect the individual’s property, the officers, and others as well as the Division from claims of lost or
damaged property resulting from the seizure of the vehicle or items”(GPO 2.02.02 Search and Seizure).

40
Figure 32 displays information regarding vehicle searched and contraband seized by residential
status among traffic stops.
Figure 32-Vehicle Contraband Seized during Traffic Stops

Figure 33 displays information regarding vehicle searched across race and ethnicity among
traffic stops.
Figure 33- Vehicle Search by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status among Traffic Stops

41
Figure 34 displays information regarding vehicle searched and contraband seized across race and
ethnicity among traffic stops.
Figure 34- Vehicle Search and Contraband Seized by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status among Traffic Stops

Overall, contraband was seized in 35% of investigatory stops involving a vehicle search. Below
are the contraband seized rates by race, ethnicity, and gender among traffic stops.
• Contraband was seized in 41% of vehicle searches involving White males.
• Contraband was seized in 38% of vehicle searches involving Black or African American
males.
• Contraband was seized in 35% of vehicle searches involving Hispanic females.
• Contraband was seized in 35% of vehicle searches involving White females.
• Contraband was seized in 32% of vehicle searches involving Hispanic males.
• Contraband was seized in 24% of vehicle searches involving Black or African American
females.

42
Table 15 and Table 16 include the top three contraband types seized during vehicle searches
among traffic stops.
Table 15- Top Three Contraband Type Seized during Vehicle Search among Traffic Stops for Residents

Vehicle Contraband Seized - Traffic - Resident38

Black Male Drugs - Marijuana - 123
Drugs Paraphernalia - 72
Firearm - 66
Black Female Drugs - Marijuana - 19
Firearm - 16
Drugs Paraphernalia - 11
Unknown Male Drugs - Marijuana - 4
Drugs Paraphernalia - 2
White Male Drugs - Marijuana - 16
Drug Paraphernalia - 15
Alcohol - 6
White Female Drug Paraphernalia - 3
Drugs - Pills - 2
Drugs - Crack - 2
Drugs - Fentanyl - 2
Hispanic Male Firearm - 10
Drugs - Marijuana - 10
Alcohol - 6
Drug Paraphernalia - 4

Table 16- Top Three Contraband Type Seized during Vehicle Search among Traffic Stops for Non-Residents

Vehicle Contraband Seized - Traffic - Non-Resident39

Black Male Drugs - Marijuana - 41
Firearm - 28
Drugs Paraphernalia - 27
Black Female Drugs - Marijuana - 5
Firearm - 4
White Male Firearm - 3
Drugs - Marijuana - 3
Drugs - Pills - 3
Drug Paraphernalia - 2
White Female Drug Paraphernalia - 4
Firearm - 28
Ammunition - 2
Drugs - Marijuana - 2

38
The top three contraband types are presented and any values under two are excluded from the table.
39
The top three contraband types are presented and any values under two are excluded from the table.

43
As seen in Figure 35, 25% of vehicles were searched during investigatory stops.
Figure 35- Vehicle Search among Investigatory Stops

44
Figure 36 displays the type of vehicle searches conducted during investigatory stops. As seen in
Figure 36, the most common vehicle search types among investigatory stops include: ‘vehicle
inventory search’40, ‘vehicle exigent circumstance’, and ‘vehicle consent search’.
Figure 36- Vehicle Search Type among Investigatory Stops

40
“When a vehicle is towed, under state law or city ordinance, an inventory search of the vehicle shall be
conducted to protect the individual’s property, the officers, and others as well as the Division from claims of lost or
damaged property resulting from the seizure of the vehicle or items (GPO 2.02.02 Search and Seizure).”

45
Figure 37 displays information regarding vehicle searched and contraband seized by residential
status among investigatory stops.
Figure 37-Vehicle Contraband Seized during Investigatory Stops

Figure 38 displays information regarding vehicle searched across race and ethnicity among
investigatory stops.
Figure 38- Vehicle Search by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status among Investigatory Stops

46
Figure 39 displays information regarding vehicle searched and contraband seized across race and
ethnicity among investigatory stops.
Figure 39- Vehicle Search and Contraband Seized by Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Residential Status among Investigatory Stops

Overall, contraband was seized in 60% of investigatory stops involving a vehicle search41.
Below are the contraband seized rates by race, ethnicity, and gender among investigatory stops.
• Contraband was seized in 100% of vehicle searches involving Hispanic females.
• Contraband was seized in 63% of vehicle searches involving White females.
• Contraband was seized in 62% of vehicle searches involving Black or African American
males.
• Contraband was seized in 56% of vehicle searches involving Black or African American
females.
• Contraband was seized in 53% of vehicle searches involving White males.
• Contraband was seized in 40% of vehicle searches involving Hispanic males.

41
It is noteworthy to state that some of the totals are extremely low. For example, there were five vehicle searches
involving Hispanic females searched during investigatory stops.

47
Table 17 and Table 18 include the top three contraband types seized during vehicle searches
among investigatory stops.
Table 17- Top Three Contraband Type Seized during Vehicle Search among Investigatory Stops for Residents

Vehicle Contraband Seized - Investigatory - Resident42

Black Male Drugs - Marijuana - 24
Firearm - 19
Drug Paraphernalia - 11
Black Female Firearm - 5
Drug Paraphernalia - 5
Drugs - Marijuana - 3
White Male Drug Paraphernalia - 4
Drugs - Marijuana - 2
Drugs - Other - 2
Drugs - Methamphetamine - 2
Drugs - Crack - 2
Firearm - 2
White Female Drugs - Heroin - 3
Drug Paraphernalia - 2
Drugs - Marijuana - 2
Drugs - Crack - 2
Hispanic Male Drugs - Marijuana - 3
Drugs - Pills - 3
Drug Paraphernalia - 2
Drugs - Crack - 2
Hispanic Female Firearm - 2
Drugs - Marijuana - 2

Table 18- Top Three Contraband Type Seized during Vehicle Search among Investigatory Stops for Non-Residents

Vehicle Contraband Seized - Investigatory - Non-Resident43

Black Male Drugs - Marijuana - 17
Firearm - 7
Drug Paraphernalia - 4
Unknown Male Drug Paraphernalia - 2
Drugs - Marijuana - 2
Drugs - Cocaine - 2
White Male Drugs - Marijuana - 4
Drug Paraphernalia - 2
Drug Crack - 2
Drug Pills - 2
White Female Drug Pills - 2
Drug Methamphetamine - 2

42
The top three contraband types are presented and any values under two are excluded from the table.
43
The top three contraband types are presented and any values under two are excluded from the table.
48
Stop Forms are accessible on the Mobile Data Computer or by logging onto the software
website.
Search and Seizure Supervisor Review Process Overview
As seen in Figure 4044, 98.3% of traffic stops were approved without rejection45. Approximately
1.7% of traffic stop forms were rejected during the supervisor review process (Figure 40). As
seen in Figure 41, the most common rejection reasons for traffic stop forms include: ‘other-
specify’46, ‘incorrect selection-drop down/text field’, and ‘further information required-basis for
probable cause’. As seen in Figure 40, there were no disapproved47 traffic stop forms.
Figure 40-Form Status among Traffic Stops

44
At the time of publication, there were several stop forms in pending status. Staff are working with the Bureau of
Compliance in connection with these forms. Several forms did not appear on the software website, therefore a
ticket for assistance was placed with the Office of Information and Technology for follow-up with the software
vendor.
45
See Appendix 3 for the Stop Form Reasons for Rejection List. A single list is used for both traffic and investigatory
stop forms.
46
The most common rejection reasons under ‘other specify’ among traffic stop forms include: incorrect date or
time (total-47), citation information (total-26), and exit reason (total-12).
47
See Appendix 4 for the Stop Form Reasons for Disapproval List.

49
Figure 41-Rejection Reason among Traffic Stops

As seen in Figure 4248, 97% of investigatory stop forms were approved without rejection.
Approximately 3.0% of investigatory stop forms were rejected during the supervisor review
process (Figure 42). As seen in Figure 43, the most common rejection reasons for investigatory
stop forms include: ‘other-specify’49, ‘incorrect selection-drop down/text field’, and ‘incorrect-
incident number’. As seen in Figure 42, there were no disapproved investigatory stop forms.
Figure 42-Form Status among Investigatory Stops

48
At the time of publication, there were several stop forms in pending status. Staff are working with the Bureau of
Compliance in connection with these forms. Several forms did not appear on the software website, therefore a
ticket for assistance was placed with the Office of Information and Technology for follow-up with the software
vendor.
49
The most common rejection reasons under ‘other specify’ among investigatory stop forms include: field
corrections (total-5), note if the subject had been previously warned (total-5), and incorrect date or time (total-4).

50
Figure 43-Rejection Reason among Investigatory Stops

The Police Accountability Team (PAT) reached out to numerous local agencies for statistics on
arrests. They specifically wanted data on the percentage of arrests made without probable cause
and the percentage of cases dismissed or suppressed due to false arrest or improper searches.
Their goal was to identify trends in compliance with the 4th Amendment. However, they were
informed that the data are unavailable.

51
 Appendix 1
Search and Seizure Policies

CDP policies are available at Policy & Procedures | City of Cleveland Ohio
CDP Search and Seizure Policies
• 2.01.01
• 2.02.02
• 2.02.02A
• 2.02.02B
• 2.03.03 Miranda Warning and Waiver (r)
• 2.02.03A
• 2.02.03B
• 2.02.04 Strip Searches and Body Cavity Searches
• 2.02.04A
• 2.02.05 Stop Forms

52
 Appendix 2
Sample Stop Data Collection Form

Question Response
Incident Number XX-XXXXXX
Date MM/DD/YYYY
Time XXXX hours
Duration of Stop 0-60/minutes/hours
Location of Stop Street number, Street, City
District 1
(Select one) 2
3
4
5
Zone 1
(Select one) 2
3
4
5
6
7
8

How was the stop initiated Response to request (e.g., call for service
or third party)
Self-initiated (by reporting officer)
Last Name Free Text
First Name Free Text
MI Free Text
Address Free Text
City Free Text
State Free Text
DOB MM/DD/YYYY
Gender Male
(Select one) Female
Race White
(Select one) Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Unknown

53
Ethnicity Hispanic
(Select one) Non-Hispanic
Unknown
Does the subject have a physical disability? Yes
(Select one) No
Was the subject previously known to the Yes
officer? No
(Select one)
Role of the subject? Driver
(Select one) Passenger
Pedestrian
Type of stop Traffic
Investigatory
Plate Number Free Text
Number of passengers? 1
(Select one) 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10+
Required to exit Yes
(Select one) No
Reason required to exit Arrest
(Select one) Canine alert
Officer safety
Occupant safety
Plain view
Plain smell
Self-exit
Tow without arrest
Other probable cause
Additional details for exit Free Text
Was subject armed? Yes
(Select one) No

54
Type of weapon Asphyxiation
(Select all that apply) Automatic Handgun
BB or Pellet Gun
Blunt Object
Drugs, Narcotics, Sleeping Pills
Explosives
Fire or incendiary devices
Firearm
Fully Automatic Rifle
Gas (CO2, Teargas, etc.)
Handgun
Imitation Firearm
Knife or Cutting Instrument
Machine Pistols
Motor Vehicle
Other Firearm
Other Fully Automatic
Personal Weapon
Poison
Rifle
Semi-Auto Assault Firearm
Semi-Auto Sporting Rifle
Shotgun
Simulated Firearm
Other Weapon
Unknown
Length of observation/Following subject 0-2
before 3-5
6-9
10+
Was subject previously known to officer? Yes
(Select one) No
Was explanation of stop given? Yes
(Select one) No
Type of force used Level 1
(Select one) Level 2
Level 3
None
How was stop initiated? Response to request (e.g., call for service
(Select one) or third party)
Self-initiated (by reporting person)
Basis for probable cause Free Text
Basis for reasonable suspicion Free Text

55
Subject’s physical behavior Acting as a lookout
(Select all that apply) Body language
Casing victim or location
Concealing or possessing a weapon
Engaging in drug transaction
Manner of movement
Circumstances of encounter Location on street
(Select all that apply) Area of Stop
Proximity to crime scene
Time of Day
Specific information From concerned citizen
(Select all that apply) From Dispatch (CCS)
From eyewitness
Matched a suspect description
Subject’s words Answers to questions
(Select all that apply) Representations
Statements
Officer’s prior knowledge of the subject Knowledge of subject’s criminal history
(Select one) Prior interactions
Other (Specify in narrative) Free Text
Disposition No action taken/Subject released
(Select all that apply) Verbal warning
Citation
Arrest
Was subject issued a citation? Yes
(Select one) No
Reason for citation Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 4
(Select all that apply) Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 6
Was the subject arrested? Yes
(Select one) No

56
Reason for arrest Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 4
(Select all that apply) Cleveland Codified Ordinance Part 6
Obstructing Official Business
ORC-Arson Related Offense
ORC-Assaults
ORC-Assault on a Police Officer
ORC- Burglary
ORC- Corrupt Activity
ORC-Drug Offense
ORC- Extortion
ORC-Fraud
ORC- Gambling
ORC- Homicide
ORC-Kidnapping
ORC- Miscellaneous Offense
ORC- Offense Against Justice
ORC – Offense Against Public Peace
ORC- Offense Against the Family
ORC- Robbery
ORC- Sex Offense
ORC- Theft
ORC- Title 45
ORC- Weapons Offense
Resisting Arrest
Warrant- Felony
Warrant- Misdemeanor
Other (Specify)
Was EMS on scene Yes
(Select one) No
Search performed on subject? Yes
(Select one) No
Asked for consent to search? Yes
(Select one) No
Type of search performed? Consent Search
(Select one) Exigent Circumstance
Pat down/Frisk
Search incident to arrest
Justification for the search Free Text
Contraband or evidence seized from person? Yes
(Select one) No
Full description of contraband or evidence Free Text
seized
Search performed on subject’s vehicle? Yes
(Select one) No

57
Asked for consent to search? Yes
(Select one) No
Type of search performed? Consent Search
(Select one) Exigent Circumstance
Open view/Plain view
Vehicle Inventory Search
Justification for the search Free Text
Contraband or evidence seized from vehicle? Yes
(Select one) No
Full description of contraband or evidence Free Text
seized?

Appendix 3
Stop Form Rejection Reason List
Further Information Required: Additional Details for Exit
Further Information Required-Basis for Probable Cause
Further Information Required-Basis for Reasonable Suspicion
Further Information Required-Subject Search Justification
Further Information Required-Vehicle Search Justification
Further Information Required-Subject Contraband/Evidence Seized
Further Information Required-Vehicle Contraband/Evidence Seized
Incorrect Selection-Drop Down/Text Field
Incorrect-Incident Number
Grammar and/or Misspelling
Other: Specify

Appendix 4
Stop Form Disapproval Reason List

Improper Justification for Stop-Investigatory

Improper Justification for Stop-Traffic Violation
Improper Justification for Search-Subject
Improper Justification for Search-Vehicle
Other (Specify)

58
 Appendix 5
Stop Form ‘Force Used’ Question

59
 Appendix 6
Probable Cause Type Age Group Total Percent
Speeding Under 18 52 17.1%
Ran Stop Light Under 18 38 12.5%
Ran Stop Sign Under 18 25 8.2%
Speeding 18-29 2224 18.9%
Ran Stop Light 18-29 1581 13.5%
Ran Stop Sign 18-29 1019 8.7%
Speeding 30-39 1551 18.9%
Ran Stop Light 30-39 1078 13.1%
Ran Stop Sign 30-39 670 8.2%
Speeding 40-49 826 18.7%
Ran Stop Light 40-49 579 13.1%
Driving Wrong Direction 40-49 387 8.8%
Speeding 50-59 627 19.9%
Ran Stop Light 50-59 412 13.1%
Driving Wrong Direction 50-59 299 9.5%
Speeding 60-69 414 20.0%
Ran Stop Light 60-69 276 13.4%
Driving Wrong Direction 60-69 185 9.0%
Speeding 70-79 91 20.4%
Ran Stop Light 70-79 60 13.5%
Driving Wrong Direction 70-79 43 9.7%
Ran Stop Light 80-89 16 21.9%
Speeding 80-89 14 19.2%
Ran Stop Sign 80-89 6 8.2%
Speeding 90-99 4 28.6%
Bicycle Lane Violation 90-99 1 7.1%
Change of Course 90-99 1 7.1%
Ran Stop Light 100+ 6 19.4%
Ran Stop Sign 100+ 4 12.9%
Change of Course 100+ 3 9.7%
Ran Stop Light INACCURATE_ENTRY 34 15.1%
Seatbelt Violation INACCURATE_ENTRY 23 10.2%
Expired License Plates/Not INACCURATE_ENTRY 20 8.9%
Visible
Expired License Plates/Not NULL 13 9.8%
Visible
Ran Stop Light NULL 13 9.8%
Seatbelt Violation NULL 11 8.3%
Speeding NULL 9 6.8%

60
 Appendix 7
Reasonable Suspicion Type Age Group Total Percent
Individual Matched Description Under 18 24 16.8%
Weapon Under 18 12 8.4%
Theft Under 18 10 7.0%
Individual Matched Description 18-29 56 9.3%
Drugs 18-29 46 7.6%
Vehicle Matched Description 18-29 34 5.6%
Drugs 30-39 45 8.9%
Individual Matched Description 30-39 44 8.7%
Warrant 30-39 34 6.7%
Individual Matched Description 40-49 41 11.8%
Alcohol 40-49 28 8.1%
Drugs 40-49 27 7.8%
Alcohol 50-59 28 14.7%
Individual Matched Description 50-59 21 11.1%
Drugs 50-59 19 10.0%
Alcohol 60-69 35 24.8%
Soliciting 60-69 19 13.5%
Drugs 60-69 14 9.9%
Individual Matched Description 70-79 2 16.7%
Vehicle Matched Description 70-79 2 16.7%
Accident 70-79 1 8.3%
Alcohol 90-99 1 100.0%
Alcohol INACCURATE_ENTRY 2 8.0%
Drugs INACCURATE_ENTRY 2 8.0%
Individual Matched Description INACCURATE_ENTRY 2 8.0%
Theft INACCURATE_ENTRY 2 8.0%
Third Party Caller INACCURATE_ENTRY 2 8.0%
Warrant INACCURATE_ENTRY 2 8.0%
Assault INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
Assisting Other Officers INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
Change of Course INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
Impeding Traffic Flow INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
LEADS INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
License Plates/Tags Not Visible INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
Observed Traffic Violation INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
Prior Interaction INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
Ran Stop Light INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
Shooting INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
Trespassing INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
Unsafe Vehicle INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
Weapon INACCURATE_ENTRY 1 4.0%
Individual Matched Description NULL 7 11.7%
Weapon NULL 6 10.0%
Warrant NULL 5 8.3%
61