During a recent government meeting, community leaders voiced urgent calls for immediate financial support and resources to address the escalating issues of drug abuse and gun violence in West Dayton. Malik Akbar, president of New Era Dayton, emphasized the community's distress, urging officials to redirect funding from downtown initiatives and new police drone technology towards the neighborhoods most affected by these crises.

Akbar highlighted the necessity of investing in youth through positive opportunities and community engagement, arguing that neglect and violence must be addressed to foster a stronger, more connected community. He stressed that de-escalation tactics should not merely exist as policies but must be actively practiced and ingrained within the police force.

The meeting underscored a collective demand for actionable police reform, with Akbar calling for enhanced training for officers to ensure effective de-escalation techniques are utilized in every interaction. He concluded by urging the commission to adopt bold measures that promote transparency and accountability, emphasizing that the future of the community's youth depends on these critical changes.