Akron Mayor Shammas Malik held a press conference discussing a variety of topics, including recent policy updates, the 2024 capital budget, and more. The mayor announced that by March 1st, all on duty Akron officers will wear their department issued name badges. The department had temporarily allowed officers to remove name badges due to concerns for officers’ safety in July of 2022, following the officer involved shooting of Jayland Walker. Malik said this is an important move to grow trust and transparency between residents and the police department. As for the 2024 capital budget. The $360.8 million plan outlined heavy investments in public safety, community center improvements, and ongoing sewer and water system projects.