AKRON, Ohio — The City of Akron will host a community forum to garner public feedback before the creation of a new policy at the Akron Police Department for crowd management, according to a city press release.

What You Need To Know

  • Akron is hosting a community forum Feb. 25 ahead of the creation of a new crowd management policy for police

  • The city agreed to update policies after settling a lawsuit last year

  • Brant Lee, University of Akron School of Law professor, will moderate the forum

The forum is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Garfield CLC, located at 1326 Brown St.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said this is part of the administration’s commitment to build trust between residents and the police department.

“Hearing from residents at the start of this process will help inform how the policy is drafted and will ensure buy-in from residents and officers as we strive to make Akron the safest place possible,” he said in the release. “As residents exercise their First Amendment right to air their grievances and make their voices heard, it should be with a mutual understanding with Akron Police of when a situation becomes dangerous or unlawful. Starting this policy hand in hand with our community will help ensure that’s the case.” 

The City of Akron agreed to update its policies on crowd management after settling a lawsuit with nonprofit Akron Bail Fund last year. This lawsuit was related to the protests following the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker by police in June 2022.

Walker was unarmed when he was shot more than 40 times by eight officers following a chase. The officers fired 94 rounds in total. During the chase, officers claim he fired a shot at them, and a gun was found in his car. The story gained national attention and spurred protests in Akron.

According to the release, the city is contracting with Spencer Fomby and Law Enforcement Tactical Consultants.

“This should not be confused with the proposal to conduct a use of force policy review which is currently before City Council,” the release read.

The forum will include a presentation on the current crowd management policy and allow for community feedback on how to best update it. Brant Lee, University of Akron School of Law professor, will moderate the forum.

“After the event, Mr. Fomby will draft new policy language which will then be made public,” the release read. “The City will open a public comment period of at least 60 days for further input before the crowd management policy is finalized and publicized. An email address will be established and made available to the community for comments on the draft policy.”

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