City of Akron Shares Update on Police Union Contract

Today, the City of Akron is announcing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that has been agreed to between the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 and the City that will update language around the discipline process reflected in the police union contract. These language changes clarify the overall discipline process and set expectations for Akron Police Officers and the Akron community about how these reviews will proceed.  These changes will impact discipline timelines for all future incidents, are not retroactive, and will remain in place through the expiration of the current bargaining contract at the end of 2027.  

The City and the union agreed upon this MOU as part of the resolution of an outstanding grievance, and the city consulted with the Office of the Independent Police Auditor as part of the process of developing this MOU. 

Written and Verbal Reprimands Timeline 

The contract has been updated to clarify that written and verbal reprimands may be issued within 180 days of notice of an incident. Previously, there was no specified timeframe for the issuance of this discipline, which potentially led to costly disputes. This new change explains when written and verbal reprimands must be issued and balances the need for review time with fairness and certainty for employees.  

Use of Deadly Force Internal Investigation 

With the input of the office of the independent police auditor, the FOP and City also reached agreement on a more thorough timeline in cases involving potentially significant discipline and the use of deadly force. In matters unrelated to the use of deadly force, the timeframe for potentially material discipline is now 110 days, reduced from 120, and it allows for a 45-day extension if the Chief of Police becomes aware of additional information. This allows a full process to take place and makes room for reasonable time to address newly discovered facts. In use of deadly force cases, disciplinary deadlines now clearly begin when a grand jury issues a true or no bill determination for an officer’s actions.  

“These updates highlight that there is common ground to be found even on challenging issues,” said Chief of Public Safety Craig Morgan. “We’re happy to come to the table to make changes that will benefit our officers and our community. These small updates make our discipline process more uniform and will lead to greater clarity for our community about the timeline of discipline.”  

“OIPA appreciates the City’s effort to bring greater clarity to parts of the disciplinary process,” said Independent Police Auditor, Anthony Finnell. “While some of our recommendations to strengthen transparency and support Akron’s civilian oversight system are still part of an ongoing conversation, we recognize the importance of reaching a workable agreement that provides continuity for the disciplinary process. We remain committed to working constructively with all partners to continue improving the process, so it fully supports the community’s expectations for independent oversight.”