Akron Police Keep Punching People In the Face

Akron Council Limits Public InputAkron City Council has implemented new rules, effective January 3, 2024, to restrict public comment during meetings. In an 8-5 vote, the council decided to move the meeting start time to 6:30 p.m. and shift the public comment period to the beginning. However, the most significant change is limiting public comment to 10 speakers per meeting, with individuals allowed to speak only once every 30 days. Residents must fill out an online form by 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting to request to speak, potentially concluding public comment within 30 minutes.Previously, there were no restrictions on the number of speakers or their frequency, only requiring advance sign-up. The recent weeks had seen over two dozen speakers at council meetings, prompting the new limitations. The council also implemented a ban on backpacks, bags larger than 12” X 6” X 12”, banners, flags, posters, signs, and “noisemakers of any kind.” While some view the move positively for promoting efficiency, others criticize it as limiting citizen participation, with activist Fran Wilson describing it as "fascist."Council President Margo Sommerville, who proposed the legislation to enhance meeting efficiency and professionalism, stated that the changes address decorum issues and do not intend to limit community perspectives. The decision reflects an effort to balance the need for orderly proceedings with citizens' right to express concerns.Akron Police Keep Punching People In The FacePolice were called for disorderly teens. So if you don't want to get punched in the face, behave. This happened at 1200 block of Lawton Street. With that said, Terrelle Harris-Malone was doing what he was told. He was walking away. Video shows he had his hands up as multiple policemen tackled him to the ground, jam his face into the ground, punched him and in general took it to far. In one shot you see him with his one remaining arm still up, not resisting. 19 News obtained Akron Police bodycam of this incident.The video shows the 19-year-old suspect leaving the scene and encouraging the rest of the group to also leave.The video does not specifically show the 19-year-old hitting an officer’s arm.The suspect has his hands in the air and does not appear to be resisting the arrest in the video.So that task force we created to review the police? This is what you were made for and you need to do something. Harris-Malone was arrested earlier this year on October 27 and now faces charges of riot, resisting arrest, obstructing official business, and criminal trespass.Harris-Malone is set to go to trial on February 6.His lawyer says they plan to file a civil suit against the Akron officers involved.Three other teens were arrested during the incident.Akron Police are now investigating the use of force during the incident.IN RELATED NEWSThe Akron Police Department has quietly updated its internal policies about police shootings and now lists the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation as the default “preferred agency,” instead of its own detectives, to investigate after APD officers kill or seriously injure someone.While the APD has regularly called on the BCI’s Crime Scene Unit to process scenes of police shootings, Chief Steve Mylett caught the ire of the police union in 2022 when he asked the state agency to conduct the entire investigation into Jayland Walker’s killing. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 filed a grievance that alleged bringing in an outside agency violated its collective bargaining contract with the city because that work, it said, should have gone to APD detectives.The BCI’s investigation did not lead to any charges against the eight police officers who fired 94 rounds at Walker, striking him 46 timesAkron Schools Shuffling Students Due to Low EnrollmentThe school board proposed new boundary lines for its six clusters, revealing a plan where every residential address in the city is assigned an elementary, middle, and high school.In 2004 we had 37,000 students and now we have under 20,000 students. School enrollment is unbalanced at some school buildings like Harris Jackson, which is overcrowded. Meanwhile, Schools like Essex Elementary and Firestone Park are planned to close, so their students would be going to other buildings and there are many other moving parts affecting students, families, and employees.The proposed changes would likely impact transportation but would give parents of students in new schools open enrollment opportunities. sourceAkron Has First in State Mobile Mental Health TeamThe city of Akron is stepping up its efforts to make citizens' mental health a priority.On Monday, City Council voted to approve an $85,000 contract with the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board (ADM) to establish what they're calling SCOUT, or the Summit County Outreach Team.It's a first of its kind in Ohio, with a three-member team aboard a vehicle with access to 911 and 988 calls. The unit, comprised of specially trained first responders, will work to de-escalate mental health crises.Dr. Doug Smith, chief clinician with Summit County ADM, said. "Let's go out before the crisis hits some crescendo where there's really no alternative but to take them — sometimes by force — to get treatment."SCOUT is expected to launch in spring of 2024. For now, the team will work a day shift, but it plans to expand into a 24-hour service in the future.The U.S. suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.Map of Christmas Light Displays Across Northeast OhioThe Northeast Ohio Family Fun Site has put together a map showing Christmas light displays worth driving to. You can even click on the address and get a preview of the display. So if you're looking for something different to do before the snow starts to stack up, you can pack the kids in the car and make a night of it. https://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/must-see-christmas-light-displays-in-northeast-ohio/#MapRobots Are Taking Care of Your ParentsThe Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities recently invested in 2 robots to help in the nursing home worker shortage.The two recipients included Copley Health Center and the Village of St. Edwards on Fairlawn. Both received a personal robot, to help the aids complete tasks and speed up certain processesOne of the first tasks for Eva, the Copley robot, was helping a resident with a special celebration. It delivered a little cake, and a little drink, and a card. The recipient thought it was cool.Old Polsky and Oneils Display are Across from the Rink DowntownWinterfest is in full swing in downtown Akron. For those who remember the days of the window displays in Polsky's and Oneil's they are still around and on display. They can be found opposite the ice rink and in the basement near the elevators. These incredible displays are free to enjoy and will be available until the start of the new year. sourceGarfield High School Receives 100KFirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has donated $100,000 to support Akron Public Schools' efforts to bolster student success at Garfield High School through its new FirstEnergy Power Charge Program, which incentivizes good behavior and decision-making at school.The program recognizes successful students systematically, creating a positive academic culture while reducing disruptive classroom behaviors."The FirstEnergy funds were used to purchase software that enables Garfield students to digitally manage their reward points and track balances. Students can redeem accumulated points at the FirstEnergy Power Charge school store for items like snacks and school merchandise. The program also integrates financial literacy for students, allowing points to be saved for significant rewards such as prom tickets or other school eventsMentioned in this episode:Tell a Friend and Support the ShowDo you know someone who would enjoy the show? Tell them to go to Akron Podcast and Follow the show. You can also say "thanks" by visiting the link below to help keep the lights on.Support the ShowGet Involved With the ShowDo you have some feedback for the show? We'd love to hear it. Got something you'd like to share with everyone? Get Involved With the ShowIs Your Bank Paying You Interest? Acorns Does!When I purchase something, Acrons rounds up to the nearest dollar and I earn interest on...