Zone Car Lounge

Like much of the progress obtained in policing in America, the Cleveland Police Patrolmens Association was born out of the most tragic day in the history of the Cleveland Police Department. On July 23, 1968, in the Glenville Section of the city, rioting militantsmurdered three of our own, and a fourth officer died years later as result of his injuries inflicted that day. While there was no shortage of valor, courage and relentless spirit among the officers that finally brought calm back to the city that day, there was an obvious shortage of necessary equipment which could have saved the lives of police officers as well as the brave civilians who attempted to save them. Under the guidance and assistance of the Boston Police Patrolmens Association, the CPPA was formed in January 1969 and became the labor union for all non-supervisory Patrol Officers. Prior to the formation of our Association, our officers took their chances in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court to address any grievances. Through successful labor contracts, work hours, sick and vacation time off, and worker rights quickly replaced blanket mistreatment of patrol officers. Out of the tragedy of the Glenville Riots and due to the loud voices of the survivors who fought that day, street officers were soon issued portable radios which enabled citywide communications. Also, the fist Tactical Unit was formed, which trained and equipped specific officers to respond to especially dangerous situations such as riots and barricaded suspects. This valuable unit later became the modern-day Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, or SWAT. The 1450 member CPPA now serves as the bargaining unit for all non-supervisory Patrol Officers, Detectives, and Radio Dispatchers Housing Court Bailiffs.