Akron has hired a national police research organization to perform a review of Akron Police Department's use of force policy, according to a press release from Mayor Shammas Malik's office.

Malik introduced legislation to city council last year to hire a different national consulting firm, Paul, Weiss and 21 CP Solutions, to conduct the use of force review, which council rejected , citing the $640,000 price tag. Malik argued the price was necessary to hire the most qualified team.

Instead, the city hired Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), which, according to the organization's website, is an independent research nonprofit that focuses on critical issues in policing. The city hopes to have final policy recommendations by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

PERF will lead engage

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