Rep. Sykes Statement On Akron Police Department’s Internal Report For The Death Of Jayland Walker
AKRON, OH — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) issued the following statement after the Akron Police Department (APD) published the findings of their internal report into the death of Jayland Walker:
“It is my top priority to ensure the people of Ohio’s 13th Congressional District are safe and secure in our communities. Despite the findings of this report, we can all agree there is still significant work that needs to be done to rebuild trust between the Akron Police Department and the people they swore an oath to protect and serve,” said Rep. Sykes. “This report does not eliminate the need for ongoing conversations about how to move forward together as a community and ensure meaningful actions that will keep everyone in our city safe. I continue to urge the Department of Justice to conduct an independent investigation into the patterns and practices of the Akron Police Department to determine solutions-based tools that can be implemented to ensure APD meets the needs of every segment of this community. We all have an obligation – elected officials, law enforcement, and community members – to work together to keep our communities safe. I will continue working with anyone to improve public safety by ensuring accountability, transparency, and justice in our policing.”
On April 24, 2023, Rep. Sykes sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to initiate an investigation into the patterns and practices of the Akron Police Department (APD) following the death of Jayland Walker.