Akron Police Use of Force Review Proposal

Akron City Council is set to vote on Mayor Shammas Malik’s proposal for a comprehensive review of the Akron Police Department's use of force policies, following the death of 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker in a police-related incident. The review, costing over $50,000 and requiring council authorization, will be conducted by the law firm Paul, Weiss, led by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and the consulting group 21 CP Solutions. It aims to assess police policies, training, accountability systems, and public safety perceptions without focusing on specific incidents. This initiative comes amidst community tension and past incidents like the 2022 shooting of Jayland Walker, highlighting the urgency for transparency and reform. Mayor Malik emphasizes the importance of involving community voices, including the Police Auditor’s office, Citizens’ Police Oversight Board, and civic groups, in the process. Council President Margo Sommerville and Ward 4 Councilmember Jan Davis support the review as a critical step towards ensuring public safety and best policing practices.