CLEVELAND — A federal lawsuit filed by Cleveland police recruits who were fired for allegedly cheating while in the police academy was dismissed Tuesday, with the judge issuing a summary judgment in favor of the city.
City officials said the recruits violated policy by submitting typed, plagiarized notes in the Basic Police Academy notebook, thereby failing the requirements set forth by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC).
Academy instructors were conducting an examination of the recruits’ notebooks when the irregularities were observed, according to a news release from the city. This prompted a more detailed inspection and investigation.
The recruits were terminated by the city.
On Tuesday, a judge issued a summary judgment, denying the recruits' motions alleging they were denied due process, that they were racially discriminated against, and that their rights under the Ohio Constitution were violated.
RELATED: City terminates 15 recruits for cheating, plagiarizing police academy notebook
Each recruit was found guilty by the Director of Public Safety of being untruthful, plagiarism, and failing the OPOTC notebook.
Following that director’s finding, the students filed suit alleging that they some of them were racially discriminated against and their rights under the Ohio Constitution were violated.
On Tuesday, a judge issued a summary judgment, denying the recruits' allegations.
RELATED: Cleveland police recruits file lawsuit against city after being accused of cheating
