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Committee rejects resolution to confine long guns to SWAT zones, citing training and first-responder concerns
Summary
The Akron Public Safety Committee voted 4–1 to issue an adverse report on a resolution that asked the administration to limit deployment of long guns and AR‑style rifles to SWAT zones, after members debated officer safety, past incidents and an ongoing departmental review of long-gun policy.
The Akron Public Safety Committee voted 4–1 to issue an adverse report on a resolution urging that long guns and AR‑style rifles be limited to SWAT deployments rather than issued to all patrol officers.
Sponsor Councilmember Garrett said touring the city and talking with constituents generated concern about the number of long guns potentially deployed in patrol cars. "By us adding additional, roughly, let's just say 640 additional rifles throughout our community ... you multiply that by 20 round clip, you're looking at thousands of lethal pieces of weapon that could be in our community," Garrett said, urging a "measured approach" focused on safety and accountability.
Opponents stressed the need for first responders to be equipped for dynamic threats. Councilmember Lombardo and others asked whether officers would be expected to wait for SWAT during active shooter events. "You're saying you want us to wait for the SWAT team to get there? That ain't happening," Lombardo said. Councilmember Kammer cited recent mass‑casualty incidents and said officers need tools and training to respond on first arrival.
Chief Craig Morgan told the committee the department is "actively knee deep in reviewing our entire long gun program" including rifles and shotguns; Morgan said a policy position is expected by the end of the year and that acquisition and training would follow. "We're looking at it from a very holistic approach ... we expect to have ... policy point by the end of this year and then get into acquisition and training next year," Morgan said.
After debate and a motion, the committee adopted an adverse report 4–1, effectively declining to advance the resolution with a favorable recommendation. The chief advised that any administration purchases and program changes would be brought to council with explanatory policy changes and experience/certification requirements before new equipment is widely issued.
Next steps noted in the meeting included continued departmental review, possible future council briefings on proposed changes, and additional resolutions that the sponsor indicated he would continue to introduce.
No ordinance or purchasing action occurred at the meeting; the committee’s vote reflected a decision not to advance this request as a council directive at this time.
