Akron mayor stands by police chief, puts spotlight on safety

AKRON, Ohio (WJW) – Akron Mayor Shamas Malik is putting a spotlight on some key issues Wednesday afternoon. Most importantly, keeping the city safe.

Malik held a news conference Wednesday morning about the city’s plan to take a closer look at its use of force policy following recent incidents where there have been disagreements over what seems right and what the police department’s use of force policy permits.

Several incidents over the past several years, including the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker, have outraged the community. These incidents have resulted in reviews in which officers were determined to have not violated the department’s use of force policies.

On Wednesday, Malik said he understands there will never “always” be an agreement between recommendations by the city’s police oversight board, police auditor and police administration.

But, Malik said he is committed to reviewing and amending the city’s use of force policy.

The disagreements have resulted in recent calls for the resignation of Akron Police Chief Brian Harding. But, the mayor said Wednesday that the chief has his full support.

“I think those are misplaced, he has my full support to help us accomplish the change that people are demanding,” Malik said.

In the Wednesday morning press conference, the city also revealed new crime statistics that show a significant decrease in the incidents of violent crime and an increase in the solve rate for homicides in Akron.

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