Brian Harding is Akron’s new police chief

Justin Dennis
·2 min read
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AKRON, Ohio (WJW) — Akron Mayor Shammas Malik has tapped current Acting Akron Police Chief Brian Harding to permanently fill the position.

The decision came after a months-long search led by an outside firm as well as a series of public meet-and-greets.

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“I believe Chief Harding’s experience, work ethic, integrity and heart for public service make him the right person to lead the Akron Police Department,” Mayor Malik is quoted in a Friday news release. “He will be a key partner in implementing our administration’s vision for public safety, including strengthening APD’s efforts to combat violence, building trust and accountability, refocusing on community policing and prioritizing recruitment and retention of a strong, effective, and diverse workforce. I am thankful for Chief Harding’s service and his continued commitment to our city.”

Harding has been with the city police department since 1995 and received numerous promotions during his tenure, according to a previous news release. He is a recent graduate of an Akron leadership class, has attended Police Executive Leadership College and currently serves on the Victims Assistance board.

He is a graduate of the University of Akron, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in technical education and an Associate degree in criminal justice, according to the release.

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He was promoted to deputy chief in November 2021, according to the Friday release.

“I am honored to serve the Akron community, and the officers and civilian staff of the Akron Police Department as the next chief of police,” Harding is quoted in the Friday news release. “This is a responsibility I take very seriously, and I plan to work closely with our team and our community as we take strides together to create the city we all want.”

Former chief Steve Mylett stepped down on Jan. 1, having led the department since August 2021. Harding was then made acting police chief.

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