AKRON, Ohio — Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and the city council began accepting applications for the Citizen Oversight Board, which was approved by the council on Sept. 26.

The board will comprise 11 members with six appointed by Horrigan, with the consent of the city council, and the remaining five will be selected by the city council. At least one resident from each ward will be selected.

What You Need To Know

  • Mayor Dan Horrigan and the city council began accepting applications for the Citizen Oversight Board Monday, Oct. 3

  • The board will be made of 11 members with six appointed by Horrigan, with the consent of the city council, and the remaining five will be selected by the city council

  • It's recommended for board members to complete the Akron Police Department's citizen academy, or a similar program, and/or 40 hours of Akron Police "ride-alongs"

  • All applications must be submitted in person or emailed by Oct. 31

The board will also include an attorney currently licensed to practice in Ohio, an expert in the field of mental health, an expert in the fields of racial equity and social justice, and an expert in the law enforcement profession.

“This Board has been a long time in the making for our city,” said Mayor Horrigan in a news release. “I am excited to get the Board seated and I welcome any and all who are interested in joining to apply. Having a diverse group from a variety of backgrounds will be crucial in creating and furthering the important dialogue needed between our citizens and our Police Department.”

It's recommended for board members to complete the Akron Police Department's citizen academy, or a similar program, and/or 40 hours of Akron Police "ride-alongs" within one year of taking office. 

“The creation of a Citizen Oversight Board is a timely and critical addition to our community policing efforts in the City of Akron”, said City Council President Margo Sommerville in a news release. “As I have previously stated, ‘The Time Is Now.'  I encourage interested residents from every ward in our city to apply, engage in the process, and lend your voice to the vital dialogue that will ensue in the days ahead.”

The application is available on the city's website and, upon completion, be emailed to citizenoversight@akronohio.gov along with a current resume if available. Physical copies of the application can also be picked up at City Hall, 166 S. High St., Akron, OH 44308. 

All applications must be submitted in person or emailed by Oct. 31. 

The applications be reviewed by Horrigan and Council separately by ward, followed by a Citizen Oversight Committee convened by City Council to select the five members who will be approved by Council at large. Horrigan will present his six choices to Council for approval.

The city plans to seat a board by the start of 2023.