Cleveland Fired Two Detectives for False Overtime
The city terminated two detectives in 2026 after an investigation revealed they falsified duty reports.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Cleveland officials terminated detectives Eric Poole and Taylor Cunningham in 2026 after discovering they had submitted knowingly false overtime cards. Each officer collected more than $1,000 in unearned pay before the city concluded its internal investigation.
Why it matters
The case highlights the city's commitment to internal accountability regarding payroll integrity. While the termination represents a significant disciplinary measure, a city prosecutor ultimately declined to pursue criminal charges against the officers.
A city prosecutor investigated the file but declined to file criminal charges, citing an inability to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The police union has since initiated a grievance process to contest the terminations.
The players
Eric Poole
He is a former Cleveland police detective who was terminated for submitting false overtime records.
Taylor Cunningham
He is a former Cleveland police detective who was terminated alongside his partner for payroll irregularities.
The details
Investigators built the case by comparing official time sheets against photographic evidence of the officers arriving and departing from their posts. Following the discovery of the falsified documents, the police department implemented new procedural changes to how work scheduling and overtime are managed.
Timeline
The internal investigation began in 2024.
The city terminated the officers in 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows broader trends in municipal oversight where cities are increasingly utilizing visual documentation to verify payroll accuracy. It mirrors local efforts to tighten internal auditing procedures to prevent the misuse of public funds.
The incident prompted the police department to implement new procedural changes to work scheduling to ensure greater transparency. These administrative updates are intended to prevent future payroll discrepancies and maintain public trust in local law enforcement.
The takeaway
Maintaining accurate records is a fundamental requirement for all public servants responsible for taxpayer dollars. The implementation of digital verification and photographic logs serves as a necessary deterrent against the abuse of overtime systems.
Further reading
For more information on departmental oversight, visit the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox 8 News.
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Should police officers be fired for falsifying overtime records, rather than receiving less severe discipline?
