Enhance APD Community Engagement

Description

Develop and implement the Akron Police Department's (APD) Comprehensive Plan for Community Engagement and Crime Prevention to build positive relationships with the community through expanded non-enforcement engagements, proactive communication, and crime prevention strategies.

Why is This Important

Safe communities are built on trusting relationships. When police officers regularly engage with residents and show up in the community, not just for enforcement activities, they build the relationships that make neighborhoods safer and more connected.

Initiative Wins

Developed and published the Comprehensive Community Engagement and Crime Prevention Plan.
Implemented routine park-and-walks and expanded bike patrols across all APD divisions
Participated in 661 community events in 2025.
Conducted 6,547 park-and-walks in 2025, a 20% increase from 2024.

Impact Spotlight

What We’ve Done This Quarter

Participated in 65 community events in 2026, as of March 1.
Expanding bike patrol capacity, park-and-walks, and broader community engagement opportunities across all APD divisions
Launched partnerships with Akron Inner City Soccer Club, Akron Metro Futbol Club, and other programs aimed at developing postive relationships between APD and youth.

What We’re Working on Next Quarter

Developing a mentorship program with Akron Public Schools (APS) that pairs student-athletes with APD officers as well as an evening and weekend mentoring program for teens in collaboration with Faith Place Church and Love Akron.
Developing multiple youth education and engagement programs -- a First Responder Education program for teens in collaboration with Urban Vision, a "Game Changer" program for APS middle school and high school students focused on how to navigate law enforcement interactions, and a grade school program that will give students opportunity to interact with school resource officers (SROs) in their APS cluster.
Creating an 8-week APD Summer Explorers program for high school students.
Building relationships between APD and North Hill’s new American community.