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Public Safety committee gives adverse report to mayor—s proposed use-of-force review contract
Summary
Akron—s Public Safety Committee voted 4-1 to give an adverse report to an ordinance that would have allowed the mayor to contract without public bidding for a comprehensive use-of-force and community engagement review for the Akron Police Department; council members split over cost, procurement process and community engagement priorities.
The Public Safety Committee voted 4-1 on an adverse report for an ordinance authorizing the mayor—s designee to enter a contract without public advertisement with Paul Wais, Rifkin Wharton & Garrison LLP (and related proposals cited) to conduct a comprehensive use-of-force and community engagement assessment for the Akron Police Department.
Committee members and the mayor debated the proposal9s price, procurement process and where community engagement should sit in the review. Supporters said the city needs an outside, independent review with substantial community outreach; critics said the administration should solicit competing proposals or rely on in-state options such as the Ohio Collaborative before spending at the level proposed.
Mayor (unnamed) said the city had done additional vetting after the initial proposal and concluded the selected team9s 9cqualifications of the Paul Weis and 21 CP team are unparalleled.9d He warned the cost of not doing a review could be higher when accounting for litigation and settlements: 9cThe cost of not doing it is significant as well.9d
Councilman Garrett, a supporter, said the review was urgent for neighborhoods that regularly interact with police and argued outside expertise was needed: 9cThis is so important ... this police department is overwhelmed with the culture that this police department has today.9d Another backer, Councilman Marcus (mover of the motion to support the mayor—s proposal earlier in discussion), urged colleagues to give the proposal a chance.
Several committee members opposed or expressed concerns. Councilwoman (name used in transcript) said her constituents questioned the price and process and asked for more options and clearer community engagement at the outset: 9cWe need to begin to put the community first. We can99t have the plan, put it all together, and then throw it out and say, community, what do you think?9d Councilman Fusco and others urged considering the Ohio Collaborative and other lower-cost or in-state alternatives.
After debate, Councilman Lombardo moved for an adverse report; the committee seconded the motion and took a roll call. McKittrick, Kammer, Lombardo and Hannah voted aye; Davis voted no. The motion for an adverse report passed 4 to 1.
The committee chair said members had 9cdeep conversations9d and expressed hope the council would continue work on the issue, including other avenues for review and community engagement.
Votes at a glance - Ordinance to permit contracting without advertisement for a comprehensive use-of-force and community engagement assessment (vendor cited in materials as Paul Wais / Paul Weis / 21CP and related teams): adverse report passed by the Public Safety Committee, 492to921 (McKittrick Aye; Kammer Aye; Lombardo Aye; Hannah Aye; Davis No).
