On Friday, August 8, The Akron Police Department and Mayor Malik welcomed 29 new officers to the department when they were sworn in at a ceremony at the Akron Civic Theater. In addition to their regular training, this cadet class has attended reverse ride alongs with community organizations, met with faith leaders, and stand out due to the large amount of public engagement with our community. Let’s welcome them into our community as they serve and protect with dedication, integrity and honor.
These new officers are only part of the good news for Akron as we’ve seen a decrease in crime from 2024 to 2025. Reported fatal and non-fatal shootings, robberies, felonious assaults, breaking and entering, and auto thefts are all down according to Akron Police Chief Brian Harding. Unfortunately, some crimes like rape have increased, but the Chief attributes this to and increase in juvenile-on-juvenile related sexual assaults. He and all of the officers on the force will continue to work with partners at Akron Public Schools, Summit County Children Services and Akron Children’s Hospital’s Care Center to help these victims.