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Mayor backs $640,000 independent use‑of‑force and community‑engagement review by Paul Weiss and 21CP
Summary
The mayor’s office recommended a $640,000 contract with Paul Weiss (law) and 21CP (police consulting) for an independent five‑to‑six‑month review of Akron Police Department use‑of‑force policies and community engagement.
The mayor’s office proposed contracting with the law firm Paul Weiss and policing consultant 21CP Solutions to perform an independent, comprehensive review of Akron Police Department use‑of‑force policies, governance and community engagement. The administration said the full project would run roughly five to six months and carry a price tag of $640,000.
Administration officials described the team as a “unique” combination of legal and operational expertise: Paul Weiss brings former Department of Justice and senior government lawyers, while 21CP is staffed by former police professionals and public‑safety consultants. Tony Ingram, the city’s public‑safety strategist, told the committee the teams’ engagement plan includes an intensive six‑week outreach period designed to gather input from rank‑and‑file officers and community stakeholders.
The administration said it had solicited proposals from six firms and, after reviewing qualifications, timelines and engagement approaches, recommended Paul Weiss/21CP as the strongest fit. The mayor said the administration would use its full authority to implement recommendations where possible and that recommendations requiring charter changes, contract reopeners with labor or other legislative approvals would proceed through the appropriate processes.
Council members and community stakeholders raised questions about cost, implementation and buy‑in. Supporters on the committee said an outside, expert and independent review could help address litigation risk and clarify policies; some members requested clearer line‑item breakdowns of the $640,000 fee between Paul Weiss and 21CP and asked for references from other municipalities that used the firms. The mayor’s office said it would supply additional documentation and called for a final decision by month’s end.
The committee held an extended discussion and did not award a contract at the meeting; council members signaled support for further review and requested additional detail before a vote.
