AKRON, Ohio — Akron Mayor Shammas Malik announced that the city is accepting applications for the Akron Police Department's next chief. 

This comes after Chief Steve Mylett retired last month after serving for 35 years, the final two being with Akron. The city selected Ralph Andersen & Associates to lead efforts on the search for a new police chief. Prior to opening applications, the city also sent surveys to community members and Akron Police Department employees for input. 

Individuals can access the community survey in English, Nepali (नेपाली मा), Spanish (Español) and Arabic (بالعربية).

In addition, the city hosted its first series of town halls for the police chief search earlier in the month, which has an attendance of over 80 individuals in person. The city it plans to host two more town halls to gather feedback. 

The city has posted a brochure, listing job description, highlights about the community and the submittal process.

"The ideal candidate for the next Chief of Police will be capable of inspiring trust and confidence in all of Akron's diverse communities, as well as earning the respect and confidence of both sworn and civilian employees," said Malik in a press release. "We are looking for someone who is well-versed in community-oriented policing and has a proven reputation for being accessible and transparent while building partnerships between the department and the community to address crime and quality of life challenges. I look forward to reviewing the survey feedback we receive from both our residents and our Akron Police employees to better inform our search process."

Malik also announced that by March 1, all on-duty Akron officers will wear department-issued name badges. Previously, the department temporarily allowed officers to remove name badges following the shooting of Jayland Walker in July 2022. The city said it was because of concerns for officers' safety. 

“The decision to reinstate the use of name badges for our officers was made by former Chief Mylett and is supported by my administration and the current Akron Police Department leadership,” said Malik in a press release. “This is an important move to grow trust and transparency between our residents and the police department who serves them. The safety of our officers and our community is of the utmost importance, and we will continue to support our employees while also taking steps to improve engagement between APD and Akron citizens. I thank former Chief Mylett, current Acting Chief Harding, and all of our Akron Police Department officers for their service to this city.”