ABOUT US
In 1945, a small group of Black police officers met to discuss the unfair treatment of Black officers in the Cleveland Division of Police. Throughout this meeting, a common refrain was repeated: "In Unity, There is Strength." By March 1946, due to segregation of many police fraternal organizations, the Shield Club formed as a social club entity.
By 1969, the Shield Club was chartered as a non-profit organization, serving as the third oldest Black police organization in the United States.
The paramount objectives of the Black Shield Police Association are to:
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Provide continuous support for officers serving within the Greater Cleveland area, focusing on the unique situations, needs, and problems faced by Black and minority officers;
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Assist in the recruitment of responsible and professional public safety guardians;
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Maintain and strengthen professional development, provide career support and upward mobility;
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Improve and increase civic engagement for officers and community members; and
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Create positive and professional community officers who promote community empowerment through dialogue and action.
OUR MISSION
We aim to be Guardians for the city of Cleveland.
The Black Shield Police Association aims to provide continuous support for officers serving within the Greater Cleveland area, focusing on the unique situations, needs, and problems faced by Black and minority officers.
The Black Shield aims to increase the awareness of Black and minority police officers in our communities while serving as the conscience of the criminal justice system. We aim to increase our membership, promoting honest, fair and confident leadership through the Cleveland Division of Police.
We aim to enhance the quality of public safety in Cleveland - as officers, we acknowledge our past struggles, our past missteps and look to our predecessors for strength and direction while working towards a brighter future.
Community Empowerment Through Dialogue and Action.