Rep. Sykes Announces nearly $175,000 for the Akron Police Department and Summit County Department of Public Safety

Rep. Sykes Announces nearly $175,000 for the Akron Police Department and Summit County Department of Public Safety

AKRON, OHIO - Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the City of Akron's Police Department and the Summit County Department of Public Safety will receive $174,104 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.

The award, issued through the Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance, will help the Akron Police Department close equipment gaps across several of its divisions, including Community Relations, Services, SWAT, Patrol, the Detective Bureau, and the Crime Scene Unit.

"Public safety works best when our officers have the tools and training to do their jobs well," said Rep. Sykes. "This funding helps close real gaps for the Akron Police Department and gives Summit County's public safety team the chance to build on their skills through additional training. I'll keep fighting to bring these important resources home to Northeast Ohio."

"Congresswoman Sykes has been a strong advocate for Summit County and our communities, and we appreciate her continued support for the resources and investments that help keep our residents safe," said County Executive Ilene Shapiro. "Her partnership and commitment to public safety make a real difference, and we are grateful for her work on behalf of Summit County."

A portion of the funding will support the Akron Police Department's new Strategic Equipment for Community Understanding, Response, and Enforcement (SECURE) program, which is designed to improve operational efficiency across multiple bureaus. Goals of the initiative include providing HIPAA-compliant access where needed, upgrading technology, improving officer safety, and strengthening ties between police and the community they serve.

A portion of the award will also go to the Summit County Department of Public Safety, which plans to use the funds for staff training. Summit County personnel will attend the Alumni Professional Exchange Continuing Education Workshop, the National Forum on Criminal Justice, and the Center for Homeland Security and Defense Continuing Education Workshop.

The award covers a project period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2028.