AKRON, Ohio — Tuesday marked one year since a 25-year-old Black man named Jayland Walker was shot and killed by eight Akron police officers following a car and foot chase.
In honor of that anniversary, activists in Akron are hosting what they call a “week of action.”
On Wednesday, around two dozen Akronites showed up to the Citizens Police Oversight Board meeting.
In honor of that anniversary, activists in Akron are hosting what they call a “week of action.”
On Wednesday, around two dozen Akronites showed up to the Citizens Police Oversight Board meeting.
Many citizens spoke during public comment at the beginning of the meeting and asked the board to vote ‘yes’ on having the power to investigate and subpoena the police.
“You are the ones among whom we are depending to give a truly independent review of police policies and practices in our beloved city,” Rev. John Beaty said during public comment. “You have not been chosen to be an independent public relations board for police.”
The board heard the citizens’ concerns and voted unanimously for more authority to investigate the police.
The board has been unable to set their rules until they decided if they will have the power to investigate.
Once all of the rules for the board are drafted, the board will then move on to adopting their procedures.
The goal is to have the rules drafted by July 12.
Then the draft of the rules will be voted on and approved by city council.
