The Board of Directors of the Partnership for a Safer Cleveland has unanimously confirmed Doug Merritt as the organizationâs Executive Director, affirming his long-term leadership of Clevelandâs trusted public safety intermediary.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2025
CLEVELAND, OH â The Partnership for a Safer Cleveland announces the official retirement of longtime Executive Director Mike Walker, effective July 1, 2025. After more than 30 years of visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to public safety, community collaboration, and youth advocacy, Walker steps down, leaving an enduring legacy of service to Greater Cleveland.
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Though officially retired, Walker will remain engaged with the Partnership in an advisory capacity. His exact role moving forward is still being determined by their Board of Trustees, but his presence and input will continue to be a valued part of the organizationâs work.
âMike Walker has been the heart and conscience of the Partnership for decades,â said Judge Ronald B. Adrine (ret.), Board Chair of the Partnership for a Safer Cleveland. âHis leadership helped transform the way our community approaches safety, violence prevention, and youth development. We are deeply grateful for his service and look forward to continuing to work with him in new ways.â
Throughout his tenure, Walker was a tireless advocate for building trust between communities and law enforcement, spearheading innovative violence prevention strategies, and expanding support for at-risk youth. His work has been pivotal in shaping Clevelandâs safety landscape through partnerships that prioritize equity, dignity, and long-term impact.
The Partnership for a Safer Cleveland now begins its formal search for a permanent Executive Director in 2026 and will engage in active fundraising to support this next phase of leadership and growth.
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP: Partnership for a Safer Cleveland is a collaborative, safety-centered, intermediary advocating for an end to community violence. Leveraging over 40 years as a convener and trusted partner, we serve as a critical conduit between government, law enforcement, the legal system, nonprofits, and invested citizens to advance solutions to Greater Clevelandâs most pressing safety concerns.
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Contact: Doug Merritt I Executive Director I dmerritt@safercleveland.org
The Partnership for a Safer Cleveland recently had the opportunity to sit down with Lieutenant Shawn Smith, Officer in Charge of the Records Section and Lieutenant Jennifer Hernandez, Executive Officer of the Bureau of Support Services. Lt. Smithâs career spans almost 30 years with a deep experience in both police and military training, Both Lieutenants are incredibly passionate and open about enhancing police education, fostering community trust, and ensuring that officers are better equipped to handle real-world situations.
During our conversation, the Lieutenants emphasized how modern police training has evolved beyond classroom instruction. âYou start by learning the laws and passing the test,â he said, âbut each officer needs more critical thinking. The academy doesnât always prepare officers for what theyâll face on the streets.â
To address this, Clevelandâs Police Academy has put more of an emphasis on real-world simulations that expose recruits to scenarios requiring problem-solving, de-escalation, and critical thinking. Lieutenant Smith stressed the importance of slowing down in high-stress situations. âBeing able to slow down is very, very important,â he noted. âIt gives officers time to assess situations and make better decisions.â These skills are learned and come from experiences, which our training programs are at the forefront of.
âBeing able to slow down is very, very important,â he noted. âIt gives officers time to assess situations and make better decisions.â These skills are learned and come from experience which our training programs are at the forefront of.”
Lieutenant Smith advocates for training that integrates multiple disciplines to prepare officers for the complexities of their work. âWeâre working hard not to train in silos,â he explained. âWe try to provide scenarios that combine all aspects of a situation to encourage critical thinking.â Todayâs training is data-driven and community-informed, with feedback from residents helping to shape the curriculum. This approach helps officers understand the communities they serve and tailor their responses accordingly.
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in police training and operations. Cleveland officers are trained to leverage tools like mobile CAD systems (Computer-Aided Dispatch) and body-worn cameras with 360-degree views. The division also uses a Learning Management System (LMS) to provide policy updates and allow officers to stay engaged with ongoing professional education.
âPolice officers have to stay ahead of the curve,â Lieutenant Smith said. âWhether itâs learning how to use mobile CAD systems or understanding stress vests that help officers monitor high-stress situations, technology is helping officers make better decisions.â
Both Lieutenants highlighted the importance of building trust between officers and the communities they serve. One innovative approach thatâs gained traction is the reverse ride-along, where recruits visit neighborhoods and engage directly with residents. âOne of Clevelandâs DCs, Deputy Chief Fay, has been a big advocate of this,â Lieutenant Smith said. âBringing in the community and taking recruits to meet the people they serveâbreaking bread with themâhelps build real trust.â
A key takeaway from these efforts is a simple but powerful shift in perception. âIâd love to hear people say, âThose are our police officers,â instead of âthose are the police,ââ Lieutenant Smith shared. âThat one wordâourâmakes all the difference and something that I strive to convey in my trainings and how I approach our community.â
 âIâd love to hear people say, âThose are our police officers,â instead of âthose are the police,ââ Lieutenant Smith shared. âThat one wordâourâmakes all the difference and something that I strive to convey in my trainings and how I approach our community.â
To be blunt, police training never stops. âContinuous professional education is mandated, and it happens all the time,â both Lieutenants explained. In addition to state-mandated training, Cleveland Police exceeds those requirements, currently providing well over 1,200 hours of training annually, compared to the stateâs 740-hour mandate.
The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) sets forth the minimum training requirements for certification of Ohio Peace Officers. When the Commission was formed in 1965, the minimum training consisted of 120 hours of instruction. By 1973, it increased to 240 hours, and in 1987, it increased to 632 hours. As of today, it is now 740 hours.
Law Enforcement agencies throughout Ohio, including the Cleveland Division of Police, provide instruction above the minimum required by the OPOTC. Cleveland, for example, provides a 7 1/2 months training academy that provides instruction on topics unique to the city of Cleveland. Examples include General Police Orders, Civil Service Rules, Manual of Rules and Regulations, etc.
From scenario-based field training to mandated online learning through the Academyâs LMS, officers are constantly updating their skills. Additionally, the Consent Decree with the Department of Justice ensures ongoing reviews and improvements in training protocols. It is a necessary layer of review and responsibility that all officers must be aware and adhere to.
Lieutenant Smithâs commitment to improving training and building stronger community relationships reflects a deep understanding of public safetyâs evolving landscape. His work ensures that Cleveland police officers are better prepared, more empathetic, and equipped to navigate the challenges of modern law enforcement.
As the Partnership for a Safer Cleveland continues its mission to strengthen public safety through collaboration, we are proud to highlight the work of leaders like Lieutenant Smith and Lieutenant Hernandez. Their vision and dedication remind us that true safety comes from well-trained officers who are dedicated to their neighborsâ needs, engaged communities that are open to relationships with police, and a commitment to continuous learning by all.Â
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2025
The Partnership for a Safer Cleveland announces that Executive Director Mike Walker will retire from his role effective June 30, 2025, after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the organization and the Cleveland community. To ensure a seamless transition, Walker will continue as a senior advisor after his retirement.
Since joining the Partnership, Walker has been a driving force behind the organizationâs efforts to promote public safety, advocate for youth development, and foster collaboration among community members, law enforcement, and elected officials. Under his leadership, the Partnership has been instrumental in advancing policies and initiatives that support safer neighborhoods, violence prevention, and equitable justice.
âFor decades, Mike Walker has been a visionary leader committed to making Cleveland a safer and stronger community,â said Judge Ron Adrine (ret.), Board Chair of the Partnership for a Safer Cleveland. âHis dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on our city, and we are deeply grateful for his years of service.â
Walkerâs tenure has been marked by numerous accomplishments, including the implementation of innovative violence prevention strategies, fostering key partnerships between law enforcement and local organizations, and championing initiatives that provide resources and opportunities for at-risk youth.
âIt has been an honor to serve Cleveland and work alongside so many dedicated individuals who are committed to making our city a safer place. While I am stepping down, I remain deeply invested in the future of our community and the ongoing efforts to create meaningful change.â
Upon Walkerâs retirement, Doug Merritt, the Partnershipâs Communications Director, will assume the role of Interim Executive Director from July 1 through December 31, 2025. Merritt joined the Partnership in 2023 after more than a decade of experience in the advertising industry. He is currently in Cleveland Leadership Centerâs Advanced Leadership Institute as a Stokes Fellow. Prior to his full-time role, Merritt served as a Board Trustee for 4 years and was a key contributor to the Partnershipâs STANCE initiative for over 20 years.
âAs we move forward, I am confident that Dougâs leadership and deep understanding of our mission will guide the Partnership during this transition,â said Judge Adrine. âHis passion and experience will ensure that we continue to build on the solid foundation that Mike has established.â
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP: Partnership for a Safer Cleveland is a collaborative, safety-centered, intermediary advocating for an end to community violence. Leveraging over 40 years as a convener and trusted partner, we serve as a critical conduit between government, law enforcement, the legal system, nonprofits, and invested citizens to advance solutions to Greater Clevelandâs most pressing safety concerns.
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Contact: Doug Merritt I Communications Director I dmerritt@safercleveland.org
Read about Dr. Flannery’s perspective on the importance of data as it relates to police technology.
The CCJDC Residentsâ Art Exhibit was a hit! The art supplies made possible by Partnership For A Safer Clevelandâs generous donation were distributed to the four living units, and, volunteers who have an interest in hands-on art projects tailored for every youth residing within our secured facility.
The Partnership is excited to announce that we were one of several organizations selected to receive the Larry Doby Youth Fund. We are going to use our award to create an IMPACT 25 Youth Commission! More information to follow soon. Thank you to the Cleveland Indians for this great honor!
We are excited to share that the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services has identified the Police Assisted Referral (PAR) initiative as a Successful Practice and Strategy.
Last week, the City of Cleveland officially appointed former U.S. attorney and Magistrate Judge Greg White to oversee the implementation of a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department.
