NAACP angry after supervisor in Rice case avoids discipline

CLEVELAND — The NAACP on Thursday demanded an explanation from Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams, who issued no discipline to a supervisor for detaining Tamir Rice’s sister in the moments after a police officer fatally shot her 12-yearold brother in 2014.

NAACP Cleveland President Danielle Sydnor said her organization “expresses its grave disappointment and anger” over Williams’ decision to issue no discipline to Sgt. Jannelle Rutherford despite a recommendation from the Cleveland Civilian Police Review Board to suspend the officer without pay for six to 10 days.

Sydnor said the NAACP demands an “immediate” explanation from Williams and for Public Safety Director

Michael McGrath to support the civilian review board’s recommended punishment.

“What message does it send to the community when future complainants seek accountability for law enforcement if complaints are filed, and a recommendation for discipline is made by the CRPB, but it is overturned?” Sydnor said.

Messages left with Cleveland police spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia were not immediately returned. Ciaccia previously declined to release more information on Williams’ decision and referred a reporter to make a public records request.

Fraternal Order of Police President Capt. Brian Betley previously told cleveland.com that Williams dismissed Tajai Rice’s civilian complaint because Rutherford was not named in the complaint.