Officer Terminated for Use of Force: Akron PD

City of Akron Public ImagePhoto byCity of Akron, OH

Akron, OH. - In an immediate press release, Akron's Police Chief, Brian Harding, informs the public that an officer has been released from duties due to his behavior and policy violations.

Per the official press release dated May 6, 2024, "Officer Ryan Westlake was terminated from the Akron Police Department today. This termination is based on two recently completed use-of-force investigations. Still, it is not based on the officer-involved shooting incident from April 1, which is part of an ongoing investigative process.

On December 31, 2023, Officer Westlake was involved in a use of force incident. Following an investigation into this matter, Officer Westlake was charged on April 9, 2024, with conduct unbecoming of an Akron Police Officer and violating the Akron Police Division Resisting Arrest and Use of Force Procedure. Separately, on March 4, 2024, Westlake was involved in another use of force incident. Following an investigation into this matter, Officer Westlake was charged on April 25, 2024with the Conduct Unbecoming of an Akron Police Officer and violating the Akron Police Division, resisting Arrest, and Use of Force Procedure.

Through the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7 (FOP) Collective Bargaining Agreement, Mr. Westlake can appeal his termination directly to the Mayor. If the Mayor upholds the termination decision, the union can appeal the discipline to binding arbitration," as per the press release.

"Second chances are essential for growth and development, but they must be accompanied by a willingness to learn from past mistakes. Officer Westbrook was given multiple opportunities to prove himself but failed to meet the standards expected of someone in a public service position. We must hold ourselves and others accountable for their actions, especially those who serve and protect our communities. I hope Officer Westbrook can learn from this experience and become a better version of himself. The city will take this as a lesson in hiring and recruitment practices," commented Tara Mosley, Former Councilwoman of Ward Five.

The Akron Police Department and city administration will not comment further on the termination process.