(Cleveland) – A 21-year veteran of the Cleveland Police force has been fired for his part in the fatal shooting of a burglary suspect.
Patrol Officer Alan Buford was terminated Thursday, after an internal investigation determined that he violated the police department’s Use of Force Policy, by using force greater than what was necessary during the incident.
On March 19, 2015, Officer Buford and his partner responded to a call for a break-in at a store on Parkwood Drive in Glenville. During that incident, Officer Buford fired his weapon, and the suspect died.
The case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office and as a result, Buford was charged with Negligent Homicide, A misdemeanor of the first degree. Buford was later acquitted in Cleveland Municipal Court.
After Buford was acquitted, an administrative review of the incident was completed and the findings presented to the Director of Public Safety who conducted a pre-disciplinary hearing. After the pre-disciplinary hearing, Director of Public Safety Michael McGrath found that Buford violated police policies, by using greater force than necessary. He was terminated immediately.
The Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association, the union representing rank and file police officers, filed a grievance, and is asking for arbitration in Buford's case. A statement from union leaders say they are convinced that Buford's discharge is motivated by pending civil litigation, and to appease the U.S. Department of Justice.