Akron committee backs mayor's plan to hire outside review of police use-of-force policies

Akron's public safety committee approved sending to the full City Council an ordinance authorizing the mayor to request proposals and enter contracts for an outside comprehensive review of the Akron Police Department's use-of-force policy and related community engagement, with the committee voting to move the item to the council agenda for a final vote this evening.

The review's supporters said it is a necessary step to clarify standards, improve training and rebuild trust after a series of high-profile deadly encounters. Opponents cited the city's tight finances and said the cost and timing must be constrained.

Mayor Mollick, who attended the committee meeting, framed the proposal as part of a broader effort to improve both department policy and community relations. "This is an important issue," he said. "We owe it to our community, we owe it to our organization, we owe it to the active police department ... to have the best possible policies, the best…