Akron civilian police oversight board

Anyone can apply for the final seat on the citizen police oversight board in Akron, but "additional consideration" will be given to a Black male between the ages of 18 and 35, according to a press release.

In a special meeting, Akron City Council approved eight candidates to the nine-member board after failing to reach a consensus about Imokhai Okolo, a 27-year-old Black lawyer.

In a special meeting on Wednesday, city council will vote on eight candidates for the city's new nine-member police review board. Council failed to approve the candidates in two prior meetings.

Council voted 6 to 5 with one abstention on the proposed candidates to the city's new civilian oversight board, one week past the city charter's Feb. 27 deadline.

Council was divided on one candidate , Imokhai Okolo, and may swap out his name at the next meeting. Council failed to meet the Feb. 27 deadline to seat the board.

Several councilmembers refused to vote for Imokhai Okolo, a 27-year-old Black lawyer and community activist, over an alleged social media post he made in the past.

Some councilmembers have concerns about attorney Imokhai Okolo, while others, including the president of council, are advocating for him to be appointed.

The nine-member board will review complaints issued against Akron Police. The proposed appointees are set to be confirmed by the end of February 2023.

Some demands for police reform after the death of Jayland Walker will be realized at the end of February, when the civilian police oversight board is officially implemented in Akron.

Community members at Akron City Council on Monday compared the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols by police to the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker by eight Akron police officers just seven months ago.