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Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren calls for expedition of police reform after traffic stop goes viral

3News has reached out to Cleveland Heights Chief of Police Christopher Britton, but has not received a response.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren is calling for police reform in the city after a video went viral this week of a confrontation between officers and a driver that happened in September 2022. 

On Friday night, Mayor Seren sent a letter to residents saying that he is going to "update our policies and procedures for receiving, investigating, resolving, and reporting complaints related to police conduct," following the incident. 

According to Mayor Kahlil, the incident happened on Sept. 22, 2022, when 37-year-old Demetrius Kern pulled over, while an officer conducted a separate traffic stop, claiming to police that his car was almost hit by a police cruiser.

The full video of the incident which was released by the City of Cleveland Heights can be watched below: 

Kearn was taken into handcuffs after refusing to identify himself and was cited for obstruction of official business. 

Eleven days later, the charge was dismissed by the Cleveland Heights prosecutor. 

Kearn went to Cleveland Heights City Hall after the incident and filed a complaint against the officers involved. Following an investigation, Cleveland Heights Police Chief Chris Britton ordered one of the officers involved to attend a de-escalation training session. 

"I believe, however, that this situation clearly demonstrates that existing policy in Cleveland Heights is insufficient for a government with an elected Mayor and illuminates why these policies must change," said Kahlil in his email to residents. "Executive oversight of the Division of Police must become the standard in Cleveland Heights." 

Following the viral video, Mayor Seren has said that he will be setting p an oversight bureau within the police department and that the first captain will be appointed next month. 

The full letter from Mayor Seren Kahlil sent out to residents on Friday night can be read below: 

Earlier this week, a video was posted on YouTube featuring edited clips of police body camera footage from a September 22, 2022, traffic stop that led to a complaint against a Cleveland Heights police officer.

Like many of you, I first became aware of this incident as a result of this video. Due to policies adopted under our previous form of government, it has been the practice of the Cleveland Heights Division of Police to internally investigate and resolve complaints about police conduct without notifying the City Manager/Mayor.

I want to share with you what I have subsequently learned, what I think it means, and what we are doing about it.

During this traffic stop, the interaction between a motorist, Mr. Demetrius Kern, Officer Lewis, and Sergeant Wolf resulted in Mr. Kern eventually being handcuffed and cited for obstruction of official business. This charge was dismissed eleven days later at the request of the City Prosecutor.

A few hours following the traffic stop, Mr. Kern came to Cleveland Heights City Hall and filed a complaint against Sergeant Wolf. Cleveland Heights Police Chief Chris Britton investigated Mr. Kern's complaint and ordered Sergeant Wolf to attend a de-escalation training session.

I have spent the last four days reviewing the unedited body camera footage (which you can view here) and documentation related to this incident. I will complete my administrative review and release my determinations shortly.

I believe, however, that this situation clearly demonstrates that existing policy in Cleveland Heights is insufficient for a government with an elected Mayor and illuminates why these policies must change. Executive oversight of the Division of Police must become the standard in Cleveland Heights.

I have already begun work to change how Cleveland Heights handles complaints about police conduct. During last year's city budget process, I announced I would create a new Bureau of Professional Standards within the Cleveland Heights Division of Police to formalize internal controls and accountability. I will appoint the first Captain for this bureau next month.

In consultation with City Administrator Sinnott, Chief Britton, and the Captain of this new bureau, I will update our policies and procedures for receiving, investigating, resolving, and reporting complaints related to police conduct.

In Cleveland Heights, our Division of Police has earned a reputation over the years for being dedicated to a cooperative and productive relationship with residents and visitors to our city. Our continuing work toward systemic improvement will help to maintain and strengthen this relationship with the community.

3News has reached out to Cleveland Heights Chief of Police Christopher Britton, but has not received a response. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Jan. 26, 2023. 

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