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Residents and council members press for police accountability after Mike Jones’ death
Summary
Residents and Councilman Eric Garrett pressed for clearer accountability and faster release of evidence after the October death of Mike Jones, urging reforms including 'look-back' bodycam policies and mental-health supports for officers amid concerns about protracted investigations and frequent use-of-force incidents.
Dozens of residents used Akron City Council's public-comment period to demand accountability and policy changes after the October death of Mike Jones, pressing the council and administration for clearer, faster processes and community inclusion in reform talks.
Ernest Wright told the council the circumstances around Jones’ death "continue to raise serious questions" and asked for "clarity and communication for a meaningful dialogue" about who will be held accountable. "My goal is not division, but accountability and transparency," Wright said.
Acacia Reynolds, who said it has been "474 days" since a 15‑year‑old was shot, named Officer Devon Fields in connection with that killing and called for reforms that prioritize life and speed public accountability. "When misconduct is tolerated, when power goes unchecked, when accountability drags on for months and years, it erodes trust," Reynolds said, urging routine mental‑health evaluations and trauma‑informed supports for officers.
Councilman‑at‑Large Eric Garrett told colleagues he is organizing community meetings (March 17 at Firestone Park community center; April 8 in Ward 8; April 16 in Ward 9) to gather input on police reform and said the city recorded 288 use‑of‑force incidents by the Akron Police Department. Garrett also pressed for implementation of a "look‑back" video policy he said is already in the city charter (33.21), describing it as a way to release footage beginning at least 60 seconds prior to incidents and to improve transparency.
Garrett said the council must weigh both fiscal and policy consequences: he warned of "tens of millions of dollars" in potential settlements tied to police use‑of‑force cases and said he will press for reforms that could reduce litigation risk and rebuild community trust.
No formal council action was taken on police‑reform measures during the meeting. Councilman Garrett and several residents asked for continued public engagement and for the administration to clarify which community groups or outside organizations have participated in reform discussions with the mayor’s office.
The council did not vote on specific reforms at this session; speakers urged follow‑up steps and timely release of information as the next practical actions.
