Akron officers authorized to remove name tags amid continued threats to police after Jayland Walker shooting

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Akron’s chief of police stated he licensed officers to take away their title tags from their uniforms due to continued threats after the Jayland Walker taking pictures.

Chief Steve Mylett says protesters have been taking photos of random Akron Police Division officers’ title tags, discovering them and their households on-line and making threats.

Subsequently, the chief directed officers to take away their title tags and supply individuals with their worker quantity if requested to establish themselves.

Officers are nonetheless required to put on their “APD” badge whereas in uniform.

When requested in regards to the officers instantly concerned within the Walker taking pictures, the chief stated he’s ready on course from the Ohio legal professional common on when to launch their names.

He stated the plan was to attend till the conclusion of the grand jury continuing to launch officers’ names.

His workplace is ready on additional course from the legal professional common’s workplace, as many protesters have pushed laborious to get the names launched sooner.

Chief Mylett stated he isn’t making an attempt to cover something, however simply desires to maintain his officers protected.

“We have now a accountability to supply a protected, safe place for all individuals in Akron,” the chief stated. “We even have that accountability for our workers. I imagine primarily based on the threats which have been made towards our officers, releasing their names would solely enhance the extent of threats towards them and I’m afraid some individuals could act on these threats. I’m going to do every little thing in my energy to guarantee that doesn’t occur.”

Based on police, Walker was shot dozens of occasions on June 27.

Officers have been chasing him on foot after they are saying he jumped out of a automotive in a ski masks following a pursuit.

A firearm that Walker allegedly used to shoot at officers throughout the brief automotive chase was recovered in his automobile after the taking pictures, Akron investigators stated.

• Further particulars in Jayland Walker case found after combing by 13 Akron police physique cameras

The Akron police chief beforehand stated the precise variety of photographs fired at Walker is unknown, however the medical expert’s report signifies a minimum of 60 wounds have been discovered on his physique.

• Household of Jayland Walker continues to combat for solutions from the Akron Police Division

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