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Residents and police union clash over proposed $700,000 policing contract; council urged to demand open process
Summary
Public commenters at the Jan. 13 Akron City Council meeting debated police accountability, a proposed $700,000 contract reportedly tied to an out-of-state firm, and the conduct of Akron officers. The Fraternal Order of Police defended officers; other speakers called for transparency and changes to how investigations and contracts are handled.
Brian Lucey, president of Akron FOP 7, and several residents addressed Akron City Council on Jan. 13 about policing, officer conduct and a mayoral contract the speakers say would spend about $700,000 in taxpayer funds.
Lucey, who identified himself as president of Akron FOP 7, defended the union and local officers against criticism that followed a December incident: “It was not our members throwing items like this pig at people standing in line to get inside the building. It was not our members shouting profanities at anyone.” He detailed community activities by FOP members, including donations and participation in Shop With a Cop, and said the union gave more than $30,000 in 2024 to a local safety support center.
The most contested matter raised by multiple speakers was a contract the mayor…
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