Akron NAACP calls for change after police use of force at Firestone

The Akron NAACP is calling for reforms and joining other Akron community groups to question an Akron police officer’s use of force against a Firestone Community Learning Center student.

“The NAACP Akron expresses our deep concerns about the use of force by Akron police officers in Akron public schools,” the group said in a statement released this week. “While we understand the need for safety, we believe the current model is insufficient and poses risks to students, especially those from marginalized communities.”

On the morning of October 16, a 16-year-old student was arrested after being accused of evading the school’s metal detectors and security staff. Security footage released by the district shows the school resource officer (SRO) hitting the student in the head at least three times before taking the student to the ground.

Another officer who was there as a secondary job was also involved in the incident, but did not hit the student.

“Officers are not adequately trained in critical areas such as de-escalation, social-emotional learning (SEL), trauma-informed practices, restorative justice and child development. These skills are essential to creating an educational environment that is fair, equitable and equal. and conducive to student growth,” the Akron NAACP statement said.

The Akron Police Department is conducting an internal investigation into the use of force incident against the SRO, who has been reassigned to administrative duties. The Akron Citizens’ Police Oversight Board will conduct an independent investigation once APD completes their investigation.

The student appeared to have a cell phone with him, but no weapon. He was initially charged with several crimes, including criminal trespass and resisting arrest, but city prosecutors dropped the charges pending an investigation into the use of force.

The SRO reportedly feared that the student had a weapon and that other students would join the fight.

According to the NAACP, the group’s concerns about this incident are consistent with recommendations recently made by Akron youth advocating for safe learning environments. Student leaders from the Youth Participatory Action Research Leadership Project wanted greater access to mental and behavioral health resources and for schools to adopt practices including conflict resolution and positive behavioral interventions.

“The NAACP Akron strongly advocates for the reevaluation of School Resource Officers (SROs) and for SROs to collaborate with professionals trained in mental health, social work, and restorative practices,” the NAACP statement said. “We urge Akron Public Schools to adopt and implement comprehensive reforms with a focus on creating truly safe and equitable learning environments.”

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @athompsonABJ

Akron NAACP calls for change after police use of force at Firestone

By Sheisoe

You Missed

The treaty between Russia and North Korea aims to reduce the risk of escalation on the Korean Peninsula – MFA – Russian Politics & Diplomacy

If Tipps is a problem, this is a problem

Neue Krypto-Börse für fairen Handel: Das since die Versprechen

I’m beta testing Entwickler: Image Generators and ChatGPT for Apple Intelligence

Akron NAACP calls for change after police use of force at Firestone

By Sheisoe

Related Post

The treaty between Russia and North Korea aims to reduce the risk of escalation on the Korean Peninsula – MFA – Russian Politics & Diplomacy

If Tipps is a problem, this is a problem

Neue Krypto-Börse für fairen Handel: Das since die Versprechen

You Missed

The treaty between Russia and North Korea aims to reduce the risk of escalation on the Korean Peninsula – MFA – Russian Politics & Diplomacy

If Tipps is a problem, this is a problem

Neue Krypto-Börse für fairen Handel: Das since die Versprechen

I’m beta testing Entwickler: Image Generators and ChatGPT for Apple Intelligence