The 30-year career of Cleveland police Lt. Jerome Barrow is full of controversy.
Created by gabrielbaird on Aug 11, 2011
Last updated: 08/18/11 at 06:28 PM
Tags: Cleveland police Jerome Barrow
Barrow is promoted back to the rank of lieutenant.
For the third time, detectives under Barrow's command use someone else’s identity -- without the person's permission -- to rent a car for undercover operations. City prosecutors would decide not to file criminal charges. After Barrow pleads no contest to administrative charges, the chief would dismisses them and issue a non-disciplinary letter of reinstruction.
Detectives under Barrow's command use someone else’s identity -- without the person's permission -- to rent a car for undercover operations.
Barrow is demoted from lieutenant to sergeant because of a reduction in the number of police.
Detectives under Barrow's command use someone else’s identity -- without the person's permission -- to rent a car for undercover operations.
Barrow leads his detectives -- all in unmarked cars and plain clothes -- into a confrontation with uniformed state corrections officers outside a state facility in Cleveland. Despite Cleveland police rules requiring undercover officers to defer to those in uniform, Barrow and his officers use force to disarm one of the guards. Along with swearing, Barrow warns: "I will shoot you!" Internal Affairs takes the results of their investigation to the city prosecutor, who decides not to file criminal charges. Internal Affairs then pursues administrative charges against Barrow for not getting the guard immediate medical assistance and for being "not professional" in his speech. But Chief Michael McGrath ultimately dismisses the charges. The guard files a lawsuit against Barrow and the city. That lawsuit is still pending.
A woman accuses Barrow of conducting an improper search in the 1700 block of East 70th Street. Police decide the allegation is unfounded.
Barrow, without getting the chief's permission, allows a TV cameraman to do a ride-along and enter a building where a search warrant is executed. He later receives a written reprimand.
Barrow contests a performance review. "The low marks in the areas of self-motivation and timely completion of assignments are totally unwarranted. If I wasn't motivated it would be reflected in the attitudes of my subordinates. Unlike many supervising officers I still do police work and make arrests. (The best way to lead is by example.)"
Barrow rear ends a car on Chester Avenue near East 19th Street while driving an unmarked police car. The Traffic Safety Analysis Panel concludes that the accident was preventable.
Barrow receives a positive performance review. It says he is competent and requires little supervision. His lowest marks, which are still at the top of the acceptable range, are in following orders, complying with rules, self-motivation and monitoring of his unit's overtime.
Based on seniority, Barrow was picked to assist Washington, D.C., police in inauguration ceremonies.
Barrow "failed to ensure the RMS (incident) report (was) completed" after an arrest where force was used, according to police reports. He also "failed to ensure the completion" of the proper forms detailing the use of force. He later receives a letter of reinstruction.
Barrow is the supervisor on an arrest in which the suspect's leg was broken. Photos were taken and forwarded to Barrow. The suspect later complains that he was assaulted, but officers say that he fell off a fence he was climbing. The city prosecutor decides that there is not enough evidence to file criminal charges against the officers. Evidence that was lacking in the case included photos of the injuries -- photos Barrow didn't make sure were logged or preserved. "You, Lieutenant Jerome Barrow #8467, did not review and ensure that the photographic evidence was recorded in accordance with Divisional Directives." Chief Michael McGrath orders a non-disciplinary, corrective letter of reinstruction.
Barrow neglects to deliver another grand jury subpoena to another officer, who was the only officer who could testify in a case. Deputy Chief Hector Cueveas writes: "Again, it appears the OIC (Barrow) failed to follow Division directives in this case." Barrow receives another non-disciplinary letter of reinstruction.
Barrow neglects to serve a grand jury subpoena to an officer, who is off work. Barrow "candidly admitted" that he did not tap another detective to fill in. Chief Michael McGrath later orders a non-disciplinary letter of reinstruction.
The internal affairs investigation into Barrow's confrontation with Shaker Heights police on Feb. 23 ends with the safety director's ruling that the allegations of misconduct are unfounded.
Barrow receives a letter of congratulations from Chief Michael McGrath: “Your consistent display of professionalism and years of uncompromised dedication to the Cleveland Division of Police will only serve to make you an asset to the Department."
Barrow is involved in an on-duty wreck when a snow plow hits his police car at the District 4 building.
Internal Affairs opens an investigation into allegations of misconduct stemming from Barrow's confrontation with Shaker Heights police on Feb. 23, 2005.
Shaker Heights police respond to Barrow's home after a call that he was holding a woman hostage. According to police reports, he told officers to shoot him and refused to comply with the officers' commands until he was kicked in the chest. His live-in fiancee and others close to her, do not want to prosecute. His fiance "does not want his career ruined," according to police reports. Contacted about the incident, the Shaker Heights prosecutor says he knew Barrow and would personally call an old friend of Barrow. Barrow is released hours later and the prosecutor decides not to charge Barrow with any crime.
Barrow's use of force on a suspect results in an Internal Affairs investigation. Presented with the investigation, prosecutors decide not to charge the officer criminally. Administrative charges result in Barrow being issued a written warning for failing to ensure a report was completed in a timely fashion and failing to ensure that the suspect received medical attention.
Barrow receives a good performance review.
Barrow is involved in an on-duty wreck. The impact of his vice car hitting another vehicle sent his head into the windshield. He was treated and released from the hospital.
A positive performance review states that "Sgt. Barrow demonstrates his leadership ability by working hand in hand daily with the members assigned to him."
Then-Chief Martin Flask writes a letter thanking Barrow and other officers from the Fourth District, which was named Neighborhood Police District of the year.
Then-commander Michael McGrath writes Barrow complimenting the work of his vice unit in responding to a councilman's complaints about prostitution on Kinsman Road.
Then-Chief Martin Flask writes a letter thanking Barrow for his "performance" at KKK rally.
Barrow is accused of pushing a man while working a part-time security job. The complaint of physical abuse is later sustained by the Civilian Police Review Board. Barrow then is issued a written reprimand.
A performance review states "Sgt. Barrow's extensive background and knowledge of vice/drug related activities is regularly drawn upon, making him an asset to the B Platoon and the department."
Barrow has perfect attendance for the year
Barrow has perfect attendance for the year.
Then-Councilman Ed Rybka, who was one of the council members to receive Barrow's letter, writes a letter to then-Chief Rocco Pollutro commending Barrow and other officers for arrests made in Slavic Village.
Barrow has perfect attendance for the year.
Accused of violating more than a dozen rules by writing to City Council members, Barrow receives a written warning.
The date is unclear, but about this time Barrow sends letter to City Council members, venting his frustrations. In it, he claims he was taken out of the unit after an attempted arson at his home. "Counciler I went through a mental tug of war when contemplating this letter. i.e. consider repercussion, - would anything be accomplished, and so forth."
Barrow is removed from the vice unit for failing to curb overtime and manage his team effectively. He states that his unit was responsible for an increase in arrests.
A letter from the safety director regarding Barrow's voided parking tickets states that the officer is suspended for two days with one day in abeyance, provided he pays for the parking ticket. In another letter, the safety director tells Barrow "I remind you that as a police officer you are not granted special dispensation for parking tickets when using your personal vehicle while on or off duty."
Barrow is appointed to vice and strike units.
Barrow has perfect attendance
Barrow is informed of administrative charges related to voided parking tickets. He is accused of using his position for personal gain and "conduct unbecoming of an employee in public service."
Barrow has had perfect attendance for the year
Barrow receives another parking ticket that will come back to haunt him.
Barrow is sworn in as a special deputy clerk of the Cleveland Municipal Court. One of his duties is to certify parking tickets.
Barrow is promoted to sergeant.
Barrow receives a parking ticket that will come back to haunt him.
Barrow receives a good performance review.
Barrow receives a good performance review, stating he "is adapting to vice enforcement."
At a disciplinary hearing on Barrow's four preventable wrecks in a year, Chief Kovacic states that "Barrow is an aggressive police officer, but that doesn’t give him authority to be a careless police officer." The chief waives a four-day suspension as long as Barrow doesn't get in more trouble.
Barrow receives a good performance review, including a 6 out of 7 for "proper care of vehicles and equipment," despite having four wrecks in under a year.
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