Akron's Bold Move: 7,595 Signatures for Police and Fire Leadership Reform!

In a significant step towards reforming police-community relations, community leaders in Akron have announced a momentous achievement. They successfully delivered an impressive 7,595 petition signatures to the Akron City Council, aiming to place a critical charter amendment on the ballot this November.

The Push for Change

The Committee to Improve Police-Community Relations is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for a new hiring process for local police and fire leadership. This proposed change would enable the City of Akron to consider both internal and external candidates for future positions of chief and deputy chief in the Akron Police and Fire Departments.

Why This Matters

If validated by the Summit County Board of Elections, this initiative would not only meet but exceed the minimum requirement of 4,862 signatures needed to place this issue on the ballot—achieved in less than three weeks!

Key Changes Proposed:

• Hiring decisions for police and fire leadership would open up to external candidates.
• This amendment seeks to override a little-known state law restricting consideration to internal candidates only.
• The proposal is backed by local faith leaders, community organizations, and prominent city officials.

Historical Context

This charter amendment faces historical opposition. A prior attempt to change the hiring process was met with strong resistance from police and fire unions. Additionally, in July, the Akron City Council voted 7-4 against legislation proposed by Mayor Shammas Malik that aimed to put a similar amendment on the November ballot.

Support from Community Leaders

The coalition behind this effort includes local faith leaders and retired members of the Akron police. It has garnered support from influential groups such as the Akron chapter of the NAACP and FreedomBLOC, along with notable endorsements from Akron City Council members and state representatives.

In a show of solidarity, Akron NAACP President Judi Hill has expressed that this initiative represents the “right step for the right time for our community.”

What Lies Ahead?

As this movement gains momentum, the community eagerly awaits the validation of the signatures and the upcoming discussions surrounding the proposed charter amendment. This could mark a pivotal moment in how Akron approaches police and fire leadership, reflecting broader national conversations about public safety and community trust.

What do you think?

• Should internal candidates be prioritized over external candidates for leadership roles?
• What impact do you think this charter amendment will have on police-community relations?
• Are there other reforms you believe are necessary in Akron’s public safety departments?
• What are your thoughts on the opposition from police and fire unions?
• How can community voices be better integrated into local government decisions?

Your thoughts and insights matter! Join the conversation and let’s discuss how we can shape the future of our community together.

Stay Informed!

Don’t miss out on crucial updates regarding this initiative and more local news. Subscribe to the Breaking Now News newsletter for the latest developments in Akron!