To address the delicate issue of the use of force by police, Mayor Malik has stepped forward with a comprehensive plan that could reshape the future of law enforcement in Akron. The initiative, a proposed review of the force's current policies and practices, was highlighted in a recent FAQ document released by the Mayor's office, which provides a deeper dive into the rationale and mechanisms behind the proposed changes. This document and extensive details on the credentials of the consulting firms Paul, Weiss, and 21 CP Solutions can be found on the City of Akron's website.
The FAQ aims to shed light on key questions raised by citizens and city officials alike, from the reasoning behind the review to its potential financial impact. According to Mayor Malik, it is a response to several use-of-force incidents that have caused "significant pain" and loss within the community. "Over the last several years, we’ve experienced a number of use of force incidents which have caused significant pain in our community, especially in incidents that result in a loss of life," Mayor Malik stated in the document obtained by the City of Akron's Website, emphasizing the urgent need for actionable steps toward improvement amid an atmosphere of low officer morale and fractured trust between the police and the community.
The planned review will be conducted with the assistance of law firm Paul Weiss, helmed by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and 21 CP Solutions, specialists in law enforcement consultation. A hefty price tag of up to $758,000 — factoring in a possible 20% contingency — is attached to the contract for the review, prompting some scrutiny over the expense. However, Mayor Malik justifies the cost against mounting civil settlements and the non-monetary toll of inaction. "We could wait and allow the next incident to occur and the next while we argue whether or not this is the perfect solution. But I strongly believe that we should not wait any longer to take real, actionable steps towards better outcomes," said Mayor Malik in a statement obtained by the City of Akron website, underscoring his commitment to change systems he deems flawed proactively.
The review's scope is far-reaching, with plans for an inclusive approach that encompasses stakeholder engagement spanning from APD leadership to community groups, including faith-based and civic organizations involvement, and is designed to culminate in actionable recommendations for the City of Akron to execute. Recommendations from the review will then guide tangible policy changes and training implementations within the Akron Police Department, with Mayor Malik ensuring full commitment to realizing the recommendations as cited by the city's release. Negotiations with the FOP union will be anticipated if union contract amendments are needed. Signifying a thorough and participative process, Mayor Malik is focused on generating a transparent timeline and mechanism for the community to hold the city accountable for the promised changes.
