Smoke and Mirrors

This is an unscripted video about a case involving sexual violence in Cleveland, Ohio. It is an account of my experience reporting a rape by Marcus Perez, the former Administrator of the Office of Professional Standards of the Cleveland Division of Police, and the systemic failures that followed.I recorded this video to document what occurred — not only in the criminal investigation, but within Cleveland’s civilian oversight ecosystem, the city’s political dynamics, and the broader question of what accountability means in a democracy.As the victim, this was a very painful video to make, and one I wish I never had to make. I have thought a great deal about what I am trying to accomplish by sharing this, but, ultimately, I do not feel as though I have a choice. Allowing this to be omitted from the public record is a betrayal of truth, our community, and myself. Sharing this is how I perform my civic duty.What you will hear and see reflects both parts of my experience: my background in the legal field and my experience as the victim of this crime. There are objective facts and evidence, as well as my own thoughts, feelings, and curiosities.My hope is that this can serve as a starting point for understanding, transparency, and further investigation by the proper authorities. Being that the latter may never occur, I feel compelled to tell my story.This video should not be taken as a formal finding.Thank you for listening.0:42 Intro13:10 Overview25:49 Police Oversight Structure33:06 OPS Administrator37:03 Cuyahoga County Grand Jury Duty47:24 Filing the Report51:39 OPS Shutdown and Prosecutor Declination1:01:32 Local Authoritarianism1:09:14 Mayor Justin Bibb1:22:57 The Fawn Response1:35:11 Hope in Us1:48:18 Conclusion

In this special Smoke and Mirrors extra, host Kayla Pincus sits down with WOVU 95.9 FM’s Trey Modlin for an in-depth interview about her journey, the inspiration behind the show, and her work in police accountability. They discuss Kayla’s international experiences, her unexpected path into local reform, and the philosophy behind Smoke and Mirrors. The conversation highlights the need to strengthen the Community Police Commission’s foundation, the racial polarization of police reform work, and the impact of the newly overhauled corrective action and discipline policy she co-authored. Kayla shares her perspective on the challenges and opportunities in this work, emphasizing that making meaningful change starts with understanding the systems we hope to improve. Recorded and aired at 8am Feb. 5, 2025, on WOVU 95.9 FM.

Episode 4 of Smoke and Mirrors explores the concept of patriotism and its ties to public safety, focusing on Cleveland’s Community Police Commission (CPC). Designed to counteract decades of police misconduct, the CPC is a uniquely democratic decision-making body with real authority to enforce discipline, set policy, and engage the community. Unlike the entrenched nepotism and favoritism within the police's leadership, the CPC aims to reflect the community’s diversity and create a meritocratic system where accountability and expertise prevail. Yet, the city’s flawed nominations process threatens to derail this vision. How do we protect the CPC’s potential and ensure it remains a tool for the people, not another casualty of the status quo? Recorded and aired at 8am Jan. 15, 2025, on WOVU 95.9 FM.

Episode 3 of Smoke and Mirrors confronts the distorted mirror created during the mayor’s selection process of the new Community Police Commission. Designed to reflect the diverse voices and needs of the Cleveland community, the new nominees—if seated—will instead reveal a stark disconnect. Political interference and flawed decision-making have sidelined those with personal experience and expertise in Cleveland public safety, leaving the Commission at risk of being ill-equipped to fulfill its promise. Simultaneously, the rejection of the Black Shield’s representative for the Commission, coupled with a pressure campaign targeting its leadership and threatening their livelihoods, exposes the lengths to which political interference has sought to influence Cleveland’s public safety landscape. This episode examines the consequences of these distortions and asks: How can we reshape this mirror to ensure it reflects the community it’s meant to serve, and how can we empower those best positioned to drive meaningful change? Spoiler alert: City Council has the authority to get our Commission back on track. Recorded and aired at 8am Jan. 8, 2025 on WOVU 95.9 FM.

Episode 2 of Smoke and Mirrors pulls back the curtain on civic engagement and belonging, challenging assumptions about who has the right to show up and shape their community. We explore what it means to claim a seat at the table, reflecting on personal and collective experiences that drive this work. Through the lens of Cleveland’s Community Police Commission, we confront divisive narratives, unpack the responsibilities of leadership, and highlight the transformative power of inclusive advocacy. Along the way, we examine how the Commission’s new discipline policy exemplifies the impact of community-driven solutions and the fight to build a system that works for everyone. Recorded and aired at 8am Jan. 1, 2025 on WOVU 95.9 FM.

This episode of Smoke and Mirrors takes a hard look at unrealized power—what happens when ordinary people are handed authority but struggle to use it. We dive into the story of Cleveland’s Community Police Commission, exploring its transformation into the nation’s most powerful civilian oversight body and the challenges it faces in realizing its potential. Along the way, we examine the need for restructuring the Cleveland Division of Police that centers community, the anticipated loss of 400 officers by 2018 from the DROP program, and the scapegoating of the consent decree and Issue 24. Recorded and aired at 8am Dec. 25, 2024 on WOVU 95.9 FM.