Release Date: July 8,2021
Mayor Dan Horrigan Appoints Steve Mylett as Chief of the Akron Police Department
Former Bellevue, WA Police Chief brings 32 years of law enforcement experience
Akron, Ohio, July 8, 2021 – Today, following a month of public engagement and stakeholder interviews, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan is pleased to announce that Stephen L. Mylett has accepted the appointment as Chief of the Akron Police Department. Mylett, a police executive with 32 years of experience, will start on August 9, 2021.
Steve Mylett grew up on Long Island, New York and served in the Air Force before starting his law enforcement career in 1989 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He steadily moved up the ranks in that Department before reaching Assistant Chief of Police in 2011. He was then hired by the City of Southlake, Texas to serve as Chief of Police where he served until 2015. Since 2015, he has served as the Chief of the Bellevue, Washington Police Department. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from Midwestern State University in Texas and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University.
“While we had many strong candidates to be our next Chief, Steve’s experience and approach to leadership emerged as the right fit at the right time,” Mayor Horrigan said. “Steve is a demonstrated man of integrity, a successful leader of police personnel, and an engaged member of the communities he serves. Steve understands the challenges that Akron faces to reduce violent crime and increase community trust. I have confidence that he will quickly earn the respect of both the Department and the citizens of Akron, and I look forward to introducing him to our community, and each of Akron’s welcoming and diverse neighborhoods.”
Mylett was recruited through a nationwide search, with the support of consultant Ralph Andersen and Associates. He was selected as one of four finalists for the position through an internal interview process. Prior to offering the position to Chief Mylett, Mayor Horrigan issued a community survey (with nearly 1,500 responses) and hosted a public town hall (with nearly 1,000 views on YouTube).
“The community feedback we received reinforces that our community wants a Chief that understands Akron, prioritizes inclusive policing, and will develop effective strategies to reduce crime and violence in our city,” Mayor Horrigan added. As Chief of the Bellevue PD, Mylett restructured the department, implemented the Bellevue Police Department’s Tomorrows Program, established new coalitions with minority communities, and reduced crime for five consecutive years.
“During the interview process, I was impressed with Steve’s openness to civilian oversight and his history of reaching out to communities with historic distrust of law enforcement,” Deputy Mayor Marco Sommerville said. “Through the public town hall and private stakeholder conversations, Steve emerged as a strong and ethical leader who will work hard to connect with the Akron community.”
In Akron, Mylett will lead a department of 447 officers, including 3 subdivisions, and manage an annual budget of approximately $70 million.
“I am honored at the opportunity to serve the Akron community and the officers of the APD as your next Chief of Police,” Chief Mylett said. “In the past month I have had the opportunity to visit this City and found Akron to be a welcoming community whose leaders truly care about those they have the privilege to serve. I am very happy to be joining the Akron team.”
“My approach to this position will be centered on honest communication, procedural justice, and building coalitions. I look forward to engaging with the men and women of the Akron Police Department who I have admired from afar, and to meeting with stakeholders throughout the City to learn more about their priorities, concerns, fears, and hopes for the future. By creating a shared vision we can help build trust, reduce crime, and enhance quality of life for all who call Akron home.”
Steve and his wife JoAnn are in the process of moving to the City of Akron. They have been married for 30 years, and have four children and two grandchildren. As Chief, Mylett’s base salary will be $144,788.80 per year. In order to nationally recruit experienced talent for this highly competitive position, the City has also authorized an additional $29,722.20 annual bonus.
Mylett will officially start on August 9, 2021. More information about a swearing-in ceremony will be provided to media in the coming weeks.
Finally, the Akron Police Department is hiring now! Applicants must meet the following qualifications: a US Citizen or lawful permanent resident (“Green Card” holder); 21-40 years of age; high school diploma or GED; no felonies; and ability to pass a physical and written exam. Akron Police officers receive a starting salary of $58,864 (which reaches $68,764 in just three years). Cadets are paid during their time in the Akron Police academy and are offered College Tuition through the City of Akron’s Workforce Development Program. Officers receive 14 paid holidays and 80 hours a vacation per year along with an opportunity to positively impact their community. For more information, please visit www.akroncops.org or call 330-375-2727.