AKRON, Ohio — In an effort to build trust between the Akron Police Department and community members like Cordell Walker, the city announced plans on Thursday to partner with the Police Executive Research Forum, or PERF, which will cost just over $300,000.

“I feel like things should get reviewed,” said Walker.

City leaders said the DC-based organization, which was founded in 1976, has already begun collecting information to begin its review of the police’s use-of-force policies and procedures.

Now, the police research organization’s work will expand to improve the delivery of police services and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

At the same time, PERF will also partner with the city to start leading engagement efforts in October, in addition to coming up with a list of

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