The push for greater oversight and accountability within law enforcement has taken a significant leap forward in Akron, Ohio. Mayor Shammas Malik has presented legislation before the Akron City Council that would see the city's elite police units—the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Street Narcotics Uniform Detail (SNUD)—be equipped with body-worn cameras for the very first time. This action isn't spur of the moment but comes as part of a series of reforms suggested by the City’s Racial Equity Social Justice Taskforce, formed in 2020, with their findings published in a report in 2022.

These particular units have historically operated without the oversight that body cameras can provide. "The legislation is a further step in our commitment to increasing trust between our community and our law enforcement officers," stated Mayor Malik, as cited by the City of Akron. Earning back public trust is fundamental, especially in communities continually strained by police interactions. The installation of cameras is poised to, hopefully, protect not only officers but also civilians whose lives frequently intersect with the actions of SWAT and SNUD.

Moreover, Akron's Police Chief, Brian Harding, publicly supported the move. "This is an important update and responds directly to a recommendation from the City’s Racial Equity Social Justice Taskforce," he told the City of Akron. Training for the officers in the affected units has been slated to begin shortly, ensuring a smooth integration of the new technology once it arrives.

But before the officers can begin to wear these devices officially, the city council must first green-light the funding for the purchase. If approved, the Akron Police Department plans to procure the necessary equipment from Axon Enterprises. In addition, the department and the city's law department are anticipated to complete soon work on policy amendments designed to address the protection of confidential informants and undercover officers in light of the new equipment. If all steps go according to plan, Akron's SWAT and SNUD units might be fresh out of the box with cameras by year's end.