North Ridgeville Police Chief Michael Freeman has fostered a toxic and hostile work environment within the North Ridgeville Police Department. Numerous reports reveal that he physically and verbally abuses his officers—including grabbing them by the shirt collar and yelling in their faces over uniform details like missing brass. He regularly berates officers who are not constantly seen patrolling, creating a culture of fear rather than leadership

Department morale is at an all-time low. An internal survey revealed:

• 79% of officers have no confidence in the Chief’s ability to lead.
• 64% of officers said they are uncomfortable even approaching the Chief to discuss issues.

As a result, veteran officers are fleeing the department, seeking jobs in neighboring cities where they feel supported and respected.

In one heartbreaking case, a 27-year veteran K9 officer considered transferring due to the toxic environment. In retaliation, Chief Freeman pulled the officer’s K9 partner, Leo, off duty and refused to allow the department to pay for the special kidney food the dog needed to survive. Leo passed away—a devastating and completely avoidable loss that shocked both the department and the community.

Even worse, Chief Freeman’s own family members have had multiple encounters with law enforcement but appear to receive preferential treatment, while the general public is held to a different—and much harsher—standard.

This behavior is not only unjust—it’s a betrayal of public trust. Rather than promoting public safety, Freeman’s actions breed fear, resentment, and division in our community.

And it doesn’t stop there.

Anyone who lives in or passes through the City of North Ridgeville is being unfairly targeted under the guise of DUI enforcement. Chief Freeman is enforcing a form of “stop and frisk”—not in name, but in practice. By exploiting legal loopholes, he’s using DUI checkpoints and vague traffic stops to profile and harass law-abiding citizens.

Residents report being pulled over for the smallest infractions or on little to no suspicion. This is not about safety—it’s about intimidation and control.

We’ve seen this before: in New York City, “stop and frisk” was ruled unconstitutional after 88% of stops led to no charges (New York Civil Liberties Union). It eroded community trust and disproportionately impacted minorities. The same tactics are now playing out here in North Ridgeville.

Meanwhile, Chief Freeman’s salary has only increased, from $159,068 in 2020 to $185,344 in 2023—a jump of $26,276 in just four years. He is now one of the highest-paid public employees in North Ridgeville, making more than both the Mayor and the Fire Chief, and more than any police chief in the county or in other cities of similar size.

Enough is enough.

We are calling for the immediate resignation of North Ridgeville Police Chief Michael Freeman. It is time to restore accountability, fairness, and public trust in our local law enforcement.

Sign this petition. Stand with the people of North Ridgeville and demand better.