(CNN)A sign you'd expect to see in a war zone, hanging at a police station. Two unarmed civilians shot more than 20 times after a high-speed chase. A man in the middle of a medical emergency, jolted with a Taser while strapped to a gurney. These are alarming examples, federal investigators say, that show police in Cleveland have been using unnecessary and unreasonable force at a "significant rate," employing "dangerous tactics" that put the community at risk. A report released Thursday details a nearly two-year Justice Department investigation which found that Cleveland police use guns, Tasers, pepper spray and their fists excessively, unnecessarily or in retaliation. Officers also have used excessive force on those "who are mentally ill or in crisis," the Justice Department said.
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Guns, Tasers, fists, chemical sprays are all used inappropriately, probe finds
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Cleveland, feds agree to independent monitor to oversee reforms, Justice Dept. says
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Investigators reviewing deadly force cast officers in "positive light," report says
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Report comes as police are under fire after fatal shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice
As a result of the findings, the city and @placeholder have signed an agreement "to develop a court-enforceable consent decree that will include a requirement for an independent monitor who will oversee and ensure necessary reforms."