Akron council narrowly approves resolution to study 60-second ‘look-back’ for police body cameras

Akron City Council voted 7–6 to adopt a resolution asking the administration and council to work together to study a pre-activation “look-back” feature for Akron Police Department body-worn cameras, including consideration of a 60‑second window.

Supporters, including Councilman Ray Garrett, argued the feature can protect officers and provide important context in use-of-force incidents. Garrett said the proposal could help the department seeking accreditation and described the look-back as an opportunity to “support our officers” and to ensure “these are some of the things that will make our law enforcement a lot better.” He pointed to more than 288 use-of-force cases citywide and said the feature could help exonerate officers when appropriate.

Opponents raised costs, uncertain storage implications and enforcement concerns. Councilman Lombardo said, “I do not feel comfortable with this piece of legislation,” and questioned whether extended look-back periods change investigative outcomes. Several members said officers sometimes fail to activate cameras, a problem that a look-back would not address unless activation policies and enforcement also change.

Councilwoman Mobley framed the issue as weighing human life against cost uncertainty, saying she could not “put a price tag on the life of a human being,” and expressed support for measures that clarify incidents. Councilwoman Sharon Connor and Councilwoman Wilson both said the resolution is a nonbinding step to start a conversation; Connor noted the administration retains authority to set the exact length and Wilson urged continued dialogue about cost, storage and enforcement if the resolution passed.

Councilmembers cited police budget requests exceeding $7 million and referenced line items including about $664,000 for management software, hardware and training and roughly $453,000 for additional body-worn camera infrastructure. The resolution asks the administration to study best practices, costs, storage needs and redaction procedures; it does not itself change department policy.

The council’s roll call recorded seven votes in favor and six against. Supporters said the study could increase transparency and aid investigations; opponents said a study is insufficient without clear budget and enforcement answers. The resolution passed as a council-level request for study rather than an ordinance or binding policy change.

Next steps identified in the meeting: the administration is to work with council on best practices and cost estimates; any purchase or spending above $50,000 would return to council for approval.