Akron should turn to the Department of Justice (DOJ), not private consultants, for police reform.
The proposed review of Akron Police Department’s use-of-force policies by Paul, Weiss, and 21 CP Solutions, led by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, is well-intentioned but misguided. While the tragic deaths of Jayland Walker, Mike Jones and Jazmir Tucker demand urgent reform, this approach risks wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on external consultants when the DOJ offers a better, cost-free alternative.
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division has expertise in addressing systemic policing issues. Cities like Cleveland have benefited from its credible, enforceable reviews. Unlike private firms, the DOJ would not impose exorbitant costs, saving Akron millions that could be reinvested into the community…