City to compensate protesters arrested in the summer of 2020 with $8.1 million

The city of Cincinnati has agreed to an $8.1 million settlement for more than 400 individuals arrested during racial justice demonstrations in the summer of 2020. The settlement was officially announced on December 5.

The lawsuit, filed in 2022, accused local law enforcement of police brutality, unlawful arrests, poor detention conditions, and illegal confiscation of property during the protests. Hamilton County will contribute $65,000 as part of the settlement.

The protests, which occurred from late May to early June 2020, were part of nationwide demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, as well as the deaths of other unarmed Black individuals, including Breonna Taylor in Louisville.

The legal complaint argued that both the arrests and the curfew imposed by then-Mayor John Cranley violated constitutional rights. The curfew, in effect from May 30 to June 8, led to roughly 500 arrests for violations. Charges were later dismissed after inconsistent rulings by municipal judges. Some judges deemed the curfew unconstitutional, while others upheld the charges. Before a state appeals court could rule, the city dropped the cases.

Changes to Police Practices

City Manager Sheryl Long stated that the lawsuit prompted reforms in police response to protests. She emphasized pride in the Cincinnati Police Department for updating policies and procedures.

• Development of a guidebook to standardize police operations during demonstrations.
• Implementation of a standardized dispersal order for protests.
• Revised procedures to notify jails and courts of anticipated mass arrests.

Police Criticism

The Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police criticized the city for both the settlement and dismissal of charges. FOP President Ken Kober stated that officers were asked to enforce the curfew and manage unrest, yet the city later dismissed charges and agreed to a multi-million-dollar lawsuit.

Allegations in the Lawsuit

The complaint detailed indiscriminate use of tear gas, pepper spray, flash grenades, and other projectiles against protesters, including children, disabled individuals, and bystanders. Those detained were reportedly held for long periods in cold conditions without access to basic necessities such as toilets, water, food, blankets, shelter, or essential medications, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next Steps

An ordinance to finalize the settlement will be reviewed by City Councils Public Safety and Governance Committee on December 9. Of the $8.1 million, $2 million will cover attorneys fees.

Cincinnati is not alone in settling lawsuits related to 2020 protests; Columbus, Ohio, has paid $6.7 million in similar settlements.

Author: Chloe Ramirez