An Akron community group is calling for the resignation of Akron Police Chief Brian Harding during a press conference held Monday afternoon. The group, Freedom BLOC, expressed their demands in a press release, citing Harding’s failure to hold the Akron Police Department accountable at the risk of Akron citizens.
The press conference took place at Freedom BLOC’s office located at 848 W Exchange St. Among those present were Judi Hill, President of the Akron NAACP; attorney Imokhai Okolo; Executive Director of Freedom BLOC Ray Green Jr.; and At-Large Akron City Councilmember Eric Garrett.
Garrett addressed Harding’s rejection of disciplinary actions and the ongoing lawsuits involving the Akron Police Department, stating, “As a representative of Akron’s community, I am joining the call for the resignation of Police Chief Brian Harding. Recent developments, including Chief Harding’s decision to reject the police auditor’s report that called for disciplinary action against officers involved in the arrest of Dierra Fields, have further eroded trust in our police department’s leadership.”
The independent police auditor, Anthony Finnell, criticized Officer Thomas Shoemaker’s actions during the arrest of Fields and noted that the use of force was not objectively reasonable. McNew’s decision to dismiss these findings has raised concerns within the community.
Garrett continued, “Chief Harding’s actions send a dangerous and alarming message to our community. His rejection of the auditor’s recommendations suggests that he is willing to tolerate officers slamming, choking out, disrespecting, and even killing Black residents without consequence.” He emphasized the need for police leadership that respects the dignity and humanity of all Akron residents, regardless of race.
The Akron Police Department is currently facing several civil lawsuits, raising questions about the city’s financial responsibility for potential settlements. These lawsuits include a federal civil rights lawsuit concerning the police shooting death of Jayland Walker and other cases alleging excessive force and unlawful arrests.
The community group is also pressing for changes to improve police accountability. “We must address the underlying issues causing these lawsuits, ensuring accountability and reform within our police department and other institutions to prevent future incidents,” Garrett stated.
Activist Rev. Ray Greene Jr. also criticized Harding, claiming he has demonstrated an inability to hold officers accountable. “His failure to act is a significant flaw in the system of accountability, and we demand his immediate termination to protect Akron’s most vulnerable citizens,” Greene said.
While some, like Hill, are not calling for Harding’s immediate termination, she advocates for a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the department’s practices. Hill noted, “When systemic changes occur, it’s through that pattern and practice investigation, when the Department of Justice comes in.”
Greene indicated that Freedom BLOC would begin gathering signatures from residents to request the DOJ’s intervention. Additionally, a lawsuit against Officer Shoemaker for the arrest of Fields is planned, along with calls for disciplinary action against supervisors based on the auditor’s recommendations.
As the community calls for transparency and accountability, both Mayor Shammas Malik and Chief Harding have stated they are reviewing the department’s use of force policy, with plans for further discussion in the coming week. However, the mayor’s office has expressed confidence in Harding’s leadership amid these pressing concerns.
This ongoing situation highlights the significant challenges facing the Akron Police Department and the urgent need for reform and accountability in law enforcement.