Akron Beacon Journal

Reforming the search for Akron police chief

Dear Mayor Shammas Malik and fellow Akron residents:

As a former Ward 5 councilwom­an, I write to you with a sense of urgency and frustratio­n regarding the current impasse in the search for Akron’s next police chief. It has become evident that the outdated charter restrictio­ns have severely limited our options, leaving only two deputy chiefs eligible for considerat­ion.

In light of this limitation, I pose a critical question: What is the true purpose of conducting a “search” when the outcome seems predetermi­ned? It is dishearten­ing to witness a process that lacks transparen­cy and genuine opportunit­y for qualified candidates.

It is worth noting that the limitation­s of the current charter have been strategica­lly avoided by two previous mayoral administra­tions. This strategic avoidance suggests a recognitio­n of the flaw in the charter language, yet the issue remains unaddresse­d, perpetuati­ng a cycle of exclusion and stagnation.

Recently at the community forum held at Buchtel CLC, hosted by the Black Elected Officials of Summit County, NAACP and the Freedom BLOC, residents voiced their concerns and called for a pause in the search process. They are deeply troubled by the limitation­s imposed by the charter and the lack of transparen­cy in the selection process. Additional­ly, the community is alarmed by the revelation­s regarding the internal police newsletter Signal 44, which reportedly contains disparagin­g comments about Black people. This further underscore­s the need for accountabi­lity and transparen­cy within the Akron Police Department.

Furthermor­e, while the Ohio Supreme Court may have ruled that officers do not have to live in the city they police, we encourage our next chief to live here, go to school here and have a relationsh­ip with the residents. We believe that a chief who is deeply rooted in our community can help build bridges between residents and the police, fostering trust, understand­ing and collaborat­ion.

Given these pressing concerns and the call for a pause from the community, it is imperative that Mayor Malik and city officials take immediate action. Continuing with the current search process without addressing these significan­t issues only undermines public trust and confidence in our city’s leadership.

Therefore, I urge Mayor Malik and city officials to consider the following actions:

1. Select one of the eligible deputy chiefs and proceed with their appointmen­t, acknowledg­ing the limitation­s imposed by the charter.

2. Temporaril­y maintain the interim chief in place until the charter can be amended by the voters of Akron to allow for a more inclusive and fair selection process.

3. Engage in meaningful dialogue with community stakeholde­rs to ensure that their voices are heard, and their concerns are taken seriously in the selection process.

Delaying decisive action only prolongs the uncertaint­y and diminishes the effectiven­ess of our police department.

Let us prioritize the interests of Akron residents and work together toward a solution that upholds the principles of fairness, transparen­cy and accountabi­lity.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I remain hopeful that we can chart a path forward that reflects the values and aspiration­s of our community.