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Families demand accountability after Jasmine Tucker’s death; council leadership proposes University of Akron use-of-force review
Summary
Family members and community speakers demanded accountability in the death of Jasmine Tucker during public comment; council leadership said they have discussed a comprehensive, lower-cost review of the city's use-of-force policies with the University of Akron's Department of Criminal Justice Studies.
Several speakers, including Jasmine Tucker's mother, addressed Akron City Council during public comment calling for accountability and community action after Tucker's death.
"Mother should ever have to bury their child, especially to an officer's poor judgement. Justice for Jasmine or Tucker, forever 15," one commenter, identified only as Autumn, said during public comment.
Ash the Green, who identified herself as Jasmine Tucker's mother, said Tucker's life "was taken, cut short due to Devon Fields," and described the emotional and financial impacts on her family. "I've been off work since November 27. My job has not paid me," Ash the Green said. She urged community members to "sit together and work together" and invited support for a birthday observance for Jasmine and her sibling.
Later in the meeting, council leadership discussed bringing an external review of the city's use-of-force policy. Council members said they had a "very enlightening and promising discussion" with Dr. David Lacotte, department chair and professor in the University of Akron's Department of Criminal Justice Studies, and that Lacotte's team is prepared to conduct a comprehensive assessment.
Council leadership said the proposed review would include a historical analysis of at least eight years, a threshold analysis to determine patterns and practices, and community engagement with leaders, community police officers and the Fraternal Order of Police. They said the University of Akron's proposal would be "about 85 to 90% lower than what has been previously proposed to this body." Council leadership suggested exploring the university option so the review could proceed without losing momentum, and said they would continue conversations with the mayor and administration.
Council did not vote on a contract or formally authorize the University of Akron to proceed during the meeting. The discussion was presented as a suggestion to explore an option for an independent review and to work collaboratively with the mayor's office.
Clarifying details: council said the university review would analyze at least eight years of records, include threshold and pattern analysis, and include community engagement; council characterized the cost as 85–90% lower than previous proposals but provided no firm dollar figures at the meeting.
