AKRON, Ohio — Less than two weeks after being announced as the new chief of the Akron Police Department, Brian Harding was officially sworn in shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday.
The swearing-in ceremony -- which we streamed live -- was held at the Akron Civic Theatre’s Knight Stage.
WHAT HARDING SAID AFTER TAKING THE OATH
"Never as a 21-year-old University of Akron student working at Swensons to help pay for college did I see myself as your chief of police, but I am truly humbled by the opportunity," Harding said moments after Akron Mayor Shammas Malik administered the oath. "As I take on this role, I am acutely aware of the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead. I look forward to our collective work to address these obstacles together. I embrace the opportunity to lead our department that’s focused on community engagement, recruitment and retention and the reduction of violent crime."
Harding said community engagement is at the "very core of our mission."
"We recognize that effective policing goes beyond enforcement," Chief Harding said. "It requires genuine connection, understanding and trust. Community engagement is not a buzz word, it is the heartbeat of effective policing. We must actively listen, learn and collaborate. I look forward to connecting. I will attend neighborhood events and engage with residents. I will seek out community leaders, faith-based organizations, schools, businesses and our youth to build partnerships. Together we will identify priorities, address concerns and celebrate our collective success. One of my primary goals as your chief will be to foster meaningful relationships with every segment of our diverse community. Regardless of what community you live in, your voice matters and your concerns will be heard. Building these relationships is just not about earning trust, it is about creating a shared vision for a safer, more prosperous future.”
He said it takes a partnership between law enforcement and the community to reduce crime, address systemic issues and implement solutions.
“Collaboration does not mean complacency," he said. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that Akron remains a place where justice prevails, however, we will do so with empathy, with compassion and with a deep respect for the dignity of every individual."
He also took a moment to address all members of the Akron Police Department as their new leader.
"Your unwavering dedication, courage and sacrifice do not go unnoticed," Chief Harding said. "You are the backbone of our department, and I’m honored to lead such a remarkable team. Let us be role models, showing that law enforcement is a noble calling. One that serves and one that protects. Together we will strive for excellence in everything we do, holding ourselves to the higher standards of professionalism, integrity and transparency."
In closing, Chief Harding pledged to serve the community with integrity, respect and compassion.
"Each member of the Akron Police Department family, every community member and all our stakeholders play a vital role," he said. "Let us move forward together, united by a shared purpose to create a safer, more inclusive community. One where justice prevails and hope thrives. Together we will make Akron the community we all want.”
BEFORE TAKING THE OATH
Harding has been serving as the acting chief of the police department since January following the departure of previous chief Steve Mylett. He was named the city's final candidate for the police chief post in April.
“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 said in a release announcing Harding as the new police chief earlier this month on May 17. “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 a member of the city's police department since 1995. In November 2021, he was promoted to Deputy Chief. After initially intending to conduct a nationwide search, Malik's administration discovered that state and local laws dictate the city must fill management positions in its safety forces with internal candidates.