Police name tags are coming back, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik says at first news conference

Akron's uniformed police officers will again be required to wear name tags, Mayor Shammas Malik announced Thursday during his first news conference since taking office Jan. 1.

Malik also discussed Summa Health's plan to be acquired by a venture capital firm, and he praised city workers for their response to last week's snowstorm.

Officers must comply with the name tag policy by March 1, Malik said, adding that the decision was made by former police Chief Steve Mylett before his departure. Acting Chief Brian Harding said most officers are already complying with the policy.

Malik said the name tag policy was suspended in the summer of 2022 due to concerns about threats against officers in the aftermath of the fatal police shooting of Jayland Walker.

"It's important, I think, as we're trying to build trust and build relationships, that people have an opportunity to get to know the officers," Malik said.

He emphasized that threats against officers will be investigated — and those who make threats will be held accountable.

Balancing community policing and relationship building against threats to officer safety is important, he said.

"One of our primary focuses in the police department is community outreach, community engagement and continuing to develop that close bond with our citizens and with the community," Harding said, "and this is a step in that direction."

'Hard questions' ahead regarding proposed sale of Summa Health

Confronting one of the first big challenges for his administration, Malik said he is closely watching the proposed sale of Summa to HATCo.

He said the city's main goal is to keep Summa around for future generations. When Summa contacted his office with news of the planned sale, Malik said the administration responded with "hard questions."

Malik said a statement he issued Jan. 17 was one of support for Summa as an institution, and that his administration will be engaging with everyone involved. He urged against jumping to conclusions.

"We're looking forward to meeting with the folks at HATCo as soon as we possibly can; I think we're hoping as soon as next week, and we're going to be asking tough questions because there have been statements made about a foundation, about other commitments," he said. "We want to make sure those are things that are followed through on, and we get more clarity around that, even details of the deal. "

Applications open for police chief

Malik said applications are being accepted through March 4 for Akron police chief. The city is coordinating the hire through a search firm, and internal and external candidates will be considered.

"That process is now live on the Ralph Anderson & Associates website," Malik said. The city has published an online recruitment brochure.

A community survey seeking input on what residents want in a new chief is still open online. It can be accessed in English, Nepali, Spanish and Arabic. You can also fill out a hard copy at any of the city's community centers.

The public will have at least two opportunities to engage the finalists in a town hall setting.

Expanded parental leave and HB 68

Malik's Chief of Staff Brittany Grimes Zaehringer also announced a change to the city's six-week administrative parental leave policy. The policy had required that city employees serve for at least one year to qualify for the leave. Moving forward, the minimum service time will be reduced to 30 days.

"Secondly, we are reaffirming the city's commitment to anti-discrimination and harassment," she said.

In 2016, the Horrigan administration issued two executive orders addressing equal opportunity employment and anti-discrimination and harassment. Thursday afternoon, the administration issued a comprehensive order addressing those issues and clarifying the protected class statuses, including parental status and gender expression.

Malik said the updates to the anti-discrimination and harassment policies weren't in reaction to the Ohio legislature's override of House Bill 68, but he added that he and his administration view the state's limitations on gender-affirming care as a step backward.

"Ultimately, we have to make sure we're protecting young people who are dealing with challenges and trying to get the health care they need," he said. "I think the way the legislature has approached this issue has been, frankly, bullying and it is really harmful and action that is counterproductive to helping protect and advance the interests of all residents in the state, but particularly trans residents of this state."

He vowed to continue to make Akron welcoming to all, including protecting health care for trans employees.

Communications Director Stephanie Marsh called the news conference "the first of a series" and said it represents the kind of outreach that residents can expect to see from Malik.

The mayor wants to "make this kind of a regular thing in the effort of transparency and staying connected to our media partners," Marsh said.

Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Mayor Shammas Malik convenes 1st news conference, shares updates