AKRON, Ohio — During Monday morning's press briefing, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and City Council President Margo Sommerville announced that the city will be implementing a citizens review board, which comes in the wake of the police shooting of Jayland Walker.
Because of a technical issue, the first two minutes of today’s press conference were not captured. You can view the start of the press conference on the Facebook video below.
Watch on Facebook below or here:
According to Horrigan, the board will provide a community voice to city council and Chief Steve Mylett about complaints against Akron officers.
Akron will be joining other cities across the state in implementing a review board, such as Toledo, Dayton and Columbus.
“The idea of a citizen review board is one that we have been discussing in our community for several years,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “These types of boards exist across the nation and provide communities with more direct connection to their police forces. I strongly believe this is the right direction for Akron to take, and I am committed to implementing an independent board here in an expeditious and timely manner.”
“The incorporation of a citizen review board is the logical next step as we re-imagine public safety and community policing in Akron,” said Sommerville. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement are hallmarks in our city’s efforts to safeguard our communities and all of our residents.”
City Council will discuss the initiative during its meeting today.
RELATED: Akron councilwoman pushing for dash cameras in police cruisers following Jayland Walker's death
