Akron City, To Reopen Applications For Citizens’ Police Oversight Board On January 3, 2023

Beginning on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Akron City Council will reopen the application period for the newly created Citizens’ Police Oversight Board. The almost 60 individuals who previously applied will still be considered for the Board. Read the charter language here for all duties and responsibilities of the Board.

The passage of Issue 10 during the November 2022 election changed the composition and scope of the Board which had been previously approved by Akron City Council. The Citizens’ Police Oversight Board will now be made up of 9 Akron residents. Three will be appointed by the Mayor with approval from City Council. The other 6 will be appointed by a 2/3 majority of City Council. No more than two members will be from the same ward.

In addition to seating a Board who represents the diversity of the Akron community, the Mayor and Council will endeavor to include individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Attorney with criminal justice and/or civil rights experience

• Between the age of 18 and 35

• From the faith-based community

• Professional background in mental health services

• Affiliated with an organization representing economically disadvantaged and underserved communities in Akron

• Professional background in law enforcement

The Board will provide external and independent overview of Akron policing practices. Upon the seating of the Board, they will adopt rules for their own procedures and operations as well as those of the Office of the Independent Police Auditor (OIPA). The OIPA will consist of 3 full-time employees including an Independent Police Auditor, a Deputy Independent Police Auditor, and an administrative staff member.

“The creation of this Board has been a long time coming to Akron and I'm looking forward to seeing the impacts of this type of community involvement,” said Mayor Horrigan. “Seating the Board is just the first step. There will be a lot of work ahead for these Board members and I encourage anyone interested in making a real impact on our community to apply and lend your voice to this important dialogue.”

“We are excited that the Citizens’ Police Oversight Board is coming to fruition,” said City Council President Margo Sommerville. “The seating of this Board is the realization of Akron residents’ longstanding desire for increased engagement in the community policing efforts in our city. This Board will help foster better communication between the community and the police, reduce public concern about high profile incidents and prevent future issues by identifying areas of concern and offering options to improve policing.”

Applications will open at 10am on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. They will be available on the City of Akron website and completed applications can be emailed to citizenoversight@akronohio.gov along with a copy of a current resume if available. Residents will also be able to pick up a copy of the application at City Hall (166 S. High St., Akron, OH 44308) beginning on Tuesday. All applications must be submitted either in person to City Hall or emailed by noon ET on Tuesday January 24, 2023. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

City Council and Mayor Horrigan intend to introduce legislation for each Board member’s appointment on Monday, February 6, 2023 with approval and passage by the end of February.

The City of Akron is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are able to fully participate in public programs, services and activities. Anyone who is in need of an accommodation is invited to contact the HR Department at 330-375-2780. If you require TDD phone service, call Ohio Relay at 800-750-0750 and they will assist in coordinating with the City of Akron.