Overview:
Covered by Documenter Jackie Jantzi (notes)
Trust, training and accountability surface as key topics during town hall
Arkronites implored officials to consider costs, accountability, community policing and trust in their search for the next Akron Police Chief during the first of three public meetings Jan. 8.
Dozens of residents showed up at Garfield Community Learning Center for the presentation by Mayor Shammas Malik and other officials, including Ohio Sen. Vernon Sykes, pastor Robert DeJournette, and retired APD Major Sylvia Trundle.
Malik outlined priorities for the next APD leader:
- Experience with management in a large police organization
- Strong sense of integrity and honesty
- Emphasis on community policing and violence intervention
- Commitment to building trust with residents through relationship building, transparency and accountability
Residents asked the mayor and others about training in de-escalation, social issues, racism, mental health, and creative solutions for working with immigrants. Some residents stressed the need to hold individual officers accountable for their actions.
Former Police Chief Steve Mylett retired effective Jan. 1. Mylett served for two years and was chief when APD officers shot Jayland Walker in June 2022. Walker’s death drew national attention and sparked protests in Akron.
As the search continues, APD is led by Deputy Chief Brian Harding, who has been with the department since 1995, according to a city press release.
The full meeting can be seen on the city’s YouTube channel here.
Residents can provide more feedback through a survey available at community centers (on paper) and online in several languages:
The city plans to hold two more meetings over the coming weeks but has not yet announced dates or locations.
