Lawsuit: Cincinnati police officer, former JFS employee misused state’s child welfare database
Lawsuit: Cincinnati officer, former JFS employee misused child welfare database WCPO 9 Cincinnati
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Misuse of Child Welfare Database
Introduction
A federal lawsuit has been filed claiming that a Cincinnati police officer and former Hamilton County Department of Jobs and Family Services (JFS) worker misused the state’s child welfare database. This report highlights the allegations made in the lawsuit and emphasizes the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in promoting child welfare and protecting individuals’ privacy.
Allegations of Misuse
- The lawsuit, filed by Officer Jesse Hooven’s ex-wife and her current fiancé, alleges that Hooven used JFS employee Madison Paul to gather information on his ex-wife’s boyfriend through the child welfare database.
- Hooven is accused of regularly appearing in uniform at their children’s schools or events and openly discussing their child custody matters with others.
- The lawsuit further claims that Hooven pressured teachers, neighbors, and others to monitor his ex-wife and her boyfriend’s activities, including reporting back to him about their whereabouts and visitors to their residence.
- In April 2023, Hooven allegedly asked Paul to retrieve information on the boyfriend to retaliate against the couple for their relationship and potentially use it against his ex-wife in their custody dispute.
Use of Child Welfare Database
- The lawsuit states that Paul used the Ohio Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System to search for any records related to the boyfriend. At the time of the search, Paul was in a consensual relationship with Hooven.
- Text messages provided in the lawsuit show Hooven sharing information with his ex-wife, claiming that a JFS worker had informed him.
Investigation and Legal Actions
The lawsuit mentions that JFS suspended Paul without pay for eight days due to gross misconduct and neglect of duty after the ex-wife’s boyfriend filed a formal complaint against her. An internal investigation by the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) cleared Hooven of wrongdoing, but the Citizens Complaint Authority sustained a finding of misconduct in September 2023, as there was no legitimate law enforcement reason to request the search.
Importance of SDGs
These allegations highlight the need to prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. SDG 16 aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. By adhering to the principles outlined in SDG 16, such as respecting privacy rights and ensuring accountability, incidents of misuse of databases can be prevented, protecting individuals’ rights and promoting trust in public institutions.
Conclusion
The misuse of the child welfare database by a police officer and a JFS worker raises concerns about privacy violations and abuse of power. It is crucial for organizations and individuals to uphold the principles of the SDGs, especially SDG 16, to ensure the protection of individuals’ rights and the promotion of a just and accountable society.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
- Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services
The article discusses a federal lawsuit that claims a Cincinnati police officer and a former employee of the Hamilton County Department of Jobs and Family Services misused the state’s child welfare database. This issue relates to SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. The misuse of the child welfare database by public officials raises concerns about the effectiveness, accountability, and transparency of institutions at the local level.
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SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
- Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months
The article mentions that the officer in question regularly appears in uniform at their children’s schools or events and discusses their child custody matters openly to anyone. This behavior may contribute to a hostile environment for his ex-wife and her boyfriend, potentially falling under SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality. The actions described in the article could be seen as a form of psychological violence against the ex-wife and her boyfriend.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels | Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres | Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months |
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Source: wcpo.com
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