AKRON, Ohio — Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Akron City Council have opened applications to fill three spots on the Citizens’ Police Oversight Board.

What You Need To Know

  • Individuals can apply online or in person at City Hall

  • They must be submitted by noon on March 10

  • The mayor will appoint one position, whereas council will appoint the other two

Individuals can find on the applications on the City of Akron website by clicking here, and completed applications can be emailed to citizenoversight@akronohio.gov, along with an updated resume if individuals have one.

Applications are also available in paper copies at City Hall.

The applications must be submitted either in person or by email by noon on Monday, March 10. The city said applications received after that deadline won’t be considered.

The board is made up of nine Akron residents, three of which are appointed by the mayor with city council approval. The other six are then appointed by 2/3 majority of the council. There are no more than two members from the same ward.

The three positions come as current board members Donzella Anuszkiewicz, Robert Gippin and Crystal Jones are reaching the end of their terms.

For these three open positions, Malik will be responsible for one of the appointments, and the council will be responsible for the other two.

Ward 7 residents aren’t eligible to apply, as there are already two members from that ward on the board, the mayor added.

Malik and the council said it will work to include individuals in the following criteria:

  • Attorney with criminal justice and/or civil rights experience 
  • Between the age of 18 and 35 
  • From the faith-based community 
  • Professional background in mental health services 
  • Affiliated with an organization representing economically disadvantaged and underserved communities in Akron 
  • Professional background in law enforcement 

 For more information about the board, click here.

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