Why He’s Interesting: O’Malley takes over as Cuyahoga County’s most powerful law enforcement officer this month after the tumultuous reign of Tim McGinty. Swept into office over McGinty’s handling of the Tamir Rice case, the former Cleveland city councilman and Parma safety director is promising an office that is wide open to dialogues with the community — a marked contrast to McGinty’s gruff, adversarial style.
Off And Running: After getting acclimated with his staff Jan. 2, his first day in office, O’Malley says he will make it a priority to have open doors. He’s heard that groups such as the Greater Cleveland Congregations and Rape Crisis Center have had issues with the prosecutor’s office, and he’s ready to listen. “You need to hear, and you need to be out in the community and understand the feelings. You’re guided by the principal of seeking justice, but you’ve got to be aware of your surroundings.”
Lessons Learned: In the Tamir Rice case, O’Malley would have avoided leaking materials to the media, he says. And he’s vowed to turn over future police lethal forces cases to independent prosecutors and investigators. “Whether it’s done on a permanent, statewide basis, or it’s only going through Cuyahoga County this way, that’s how it’s going to be handled.”
Staying The Course: But O’Malley will continue some McGinty programs, including a continued effort for a leaner, more effective convictions integrity unit. “Certainly, I hope that there’s nobody who has been unjustly convicted of a crime, but if there’s an inkling that there has been, I will be the first one to rush documents to court to seek their freedom.”
Two Wheels: O’Malley loves bikes and is a devotee of the Towpath Trail. For his 51st birthday, he rode a trail from Washington, D.C., to Pittsburgh. “I had saddlebags on my bike, went by myself and did 350 miles in five days. I love bike riding. My great passion in life is to just get on my bike and ride.”
Ball Game: An avid Browns, Indians, Cavaliers and Ohio State University football fan, O’Malley has seen his share of disappointment. He was in the stadium for the Drive and both the 2007 and 2008 OSU championship losses. He managed to score a ticket to the Indians loss in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. “Game 7 was one of the greatest, most epic sports moments. It was the highest moment of emotional eruption I’ve ever seen. The enthusiasm and passion in the stands that day from Cleveland fans was unmatched.”
