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Public safety committee votes adverse report on resolution asking police to curb profanity in commands
Summary
The Akron Public Safety Committee voted 4–1 to issue an adverse report on a resolution asking the administration to examine eliminating disrespectful command intensifiers by officers, after debate over whether policy already addresses the problem and concerns about practicality in high‑stress encounters.
The Akron Public Safety Committee voted 4–1 to issue an adverse report on a resolution urging the administration to examine limiting the use of disrespectful command intensifiers by police officers.
Sponsor Councilmember Garrett framed the measure as a conversation starter, saying constituents raised concerns after reviewing body‑camera footage. "There was a 15‑year‑old kid who scratched a police officer ... you see officers yelling, cussing, screaming," Garrett said, arguing the city should explore ways to communicate firmly without profanity. He described the resolution as seeking "to keep our officers safe at the same time" while rebuilding community trust.
Opponents on the committee said the resolution sought to direct operational decisions better left to the department and questioned whether it would be effective in fast‑moving situations. Councilmember Hannah said asking officers to use deferential phrasing "is not gonna work" in some high‑adrenaline encounters. Councilmember Lombardo said officers sometimes must act decisively and said he was "not in favor of this at all." Councilmember Kammer said he had not received constituent complaints on the issue and would not support the resolution.
Chief Craig Morgan told the committee the Akron Police Department amended its conduct policy (Chapter 200) to strengthen prohibitions on explicit discriminatory or harassing language and that violations have resulted in coaching or counseling. "We definitely strengthened the language around that and continue to acknowledge policy violations for same," Morgan said, adding the department addresses violations when they are found.
The committee debated whether the resolution duplicated existing policy and whether further council direction was necessary. After an adverse‑report motion was made and seconded, the committee approved it on a roll‑call vote of 4 in favor and 1 opposed. The committee left the matter for further administrative review rather than advancing it to council with a favorable recommendation.
The committee did not adopt new instructions directing immediate discipline changes or new operational orders; Chief Morgan said the department would continue reviewing compliance and training. The committee adjourned after addressing subsequent items on the agenda.
