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The City of Akron is asking for input from residents on a policy change dealing with how police handle interactions with the public during large gatherings and demonstrations.
The revised policy calls for officers to allow for the continuance of an assembly and exercise of First Amendment rights when possible, while addressing public safety and criminal behavior as safely as possible.
The policy revision goes on to state that any force used to effect an arrest, prevent escape, overcome resistance, defend an officer or another person, or disperse a riotous crowd shall be objectively reasonable based on the totality of circumstances.
A link to the opportunity to provide input can be found at akronohio.gov