CLEVELAND, OH -- A 21-year Cleveland Police officer who was involved in a fatal shooting during a burglary in 2015 has been fired today for violation of the department's use of force policy.

On March 19, 2015, Patrol Officer Alan Buford and his partner responded to a burglary at the Parkwood Grocery, 1170 Parkwood Road, in Glenville. During the incident, Buford shot 18-year-old Brandon Jones who died as a result of his injuries. The Cleveland Police and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office investigated the case and presented the facts to the County Prosecutor's Office. Buford was charged with negligent homicide, a first degree misdemeanor. He was later acquitted in Cleveland Municipal Court.

Cleveland Director of Public Safety Michael McGrath conducted a pre-disciplinary hearing after an administrative review of the incident was completed. McGrath found that Buford violated the Cleveland Division of Police Use of Force Policy "by using force greater than what was necessary during the incident." Buford was hired by the Cleveland Division of Police on Aug. 19, 1996.

The Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association posted the following statement on its Facebook page. In yet another unwarranted attack on its police officers, the City of Cleveland has discharged Patrol Officer Alan Buford effective today. Officer Buford has 21 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Cleveland. The March 19, 2015 incident for which Officer Buford has been discharged was also the subject of a misdemeanor trial. Officer Buford was acquitted of all the charges against him – demonstrating that he acted within the appropriate legal standards governing officer conduct. Apparently, the City believes it is somehow fair and just to fire an officer who was acting within the limits required by law.

The CPPA vehemently disagrees that there is anything fair or just about this discharge. The CPPA is convinced that this discharge is motivated entirely by other considerations such as pending civil litigation and to appease the Department of Justice. The suffering of Officer Buford and his family is nothing compared to checking off the boxes in the consent decree.

A grievance has been filed today contesting the City's action and the CPPA will be seeking arbitration as soon as possible.



