Akron's new Citizens' Police Oversight Board convenes, chooses temporary leadership
Akron's new Citizens' Police Oversight Board gathered Friday to launch its mission as a voter-mandated panel tasked with reviewing investigations into the use of deadly force by officers.
The board, which also is empowered to review department policies and issue nonbinding recommendations to the police auditor, was finalized Thursday — a month after deadline. City Council's confirmation process had stalled because of a disagreement over one of the nominees.
The board's first orders of business were to select acting officers and discuss its rules.
In keeping with Issue 10, the ballot issue that passed in November just over four months after the fatal police shooting of Jayland Walker, three members of the board were chosen by Mayor Dan Horrigan and the remaining six by City Council. By design, the board members were drawn from all over the city and were selected with attention to ensuring diverse representation and a cross-section of professional experiences relating to law enforcement and community involvement.
With eight of the nine members in attendance, the board chose Love Akron Executive Director Kemp Boyd as its acting chair and Donzella Anuszkiewicz, a retired investigator with the federal public defender's office, as acting vice chair. Permanent leadership will be selected at a later meeting. Each board member will be compensated $100 per meeting.
The board also includes:
Caitlin Castle, a counselor with Akron Public Schools.
Brandyn Costa, an attorney with Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs LLC.
Robert Gippin, an attorney and president of the Summit County Progressive Democrats.
The Rev. Diane Lewis, a state-licensed counselor and associate minister at Arlington Street Church of God.
Shawn Peoples, a Metro bus driver and retired Canton police officer.
Tristan Reed, a nurse for mental health agencies in Akron.
Beverly Richards, a licensed social worker and CEO/president of the Easterseals of Northern Ohio.
Lewis was the only member who did not attend Friday's meeting, which was led by Phil Young, the city's police auditor, and Brian Angeloni, the assistant law director,
After brief remarks by Police Chief Steve Mylett and Capt. David Laughlin, board members introduced themselves.
Council split over Okolo's candidacy: Will Akron City Council finally seat a police review board at Monday's meeting?
Boyd, who recently served as the master of ceremonies for Horrigan's final State of the City address, said the board has an opportunity to foster understanding between the community and the police department.
"I'm really passionate about this because I think at a time like this individuals like ourselves have to have the courage to step into these roles," said Boyd, who also serves as Garfield High School's head football coach. "This will help to build some bridges."
Angeloni advised board members about social media and media communication policies as well as public meeting rules that allow their proceedings to be recorded.
Members also discussed holding a weekend breakfast in the near future to introduce themselves to the community.
The board will meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the City Council chambers.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com or on Twitter, @athompsonABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron 's Citizens' Police Oversight Board convenes, chooses leaders
