Bad Credit
How to Check If a Personal Loan Company Is Legitimate
Published
1 month agoon
By
Creditadmin
Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will always identify, all opinions are our own. Credible Operations, Inc. NMLS # 1681276, is referred to here as “Credible.”
While there are plenty of honest personal loan companies, there are also personal loan scams to keep your eye out for. But don’t worry — there are several ways to double-check if a loan company can be trusted.
Here’s how to tell if a loan company is legitimate, plus what to do if you’ve been scammed:
How to check if a loan company is legitimate
If you’re looking to take out a personal loan, here are a few ways to vet a lender before giving them your personal information:
- Look for online reviews: Online reviews can be a great way to gauge what others’ experiences with the company have been like. If a company has either no reviews or only a tiny amount of glowing reviews that all seem to be written by the same person, it could be a major red flag.
- Make sure the company is registered in your state: Before a lender can do business in a state, they must first have licenses from state regulatory agencies. You can check with your individual state’s agency to see if the lender is able to work with you.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau: While the Better Business Bureau (BBB) isn’t a definitive source for checking if a loan company is legitimate, it can help you see if the company has a history of treating other customers fairly. Watch out for companies with zero reviews — these might be loan scams.
- Make sure the company’s website is secure: Look for the padlock symbol in the URL bar of your browser and check that it starts with “HTTPS” as opposed to “HTTP.” Both of these indicate that communications between your device and the site are encrypted and therefore secure.
- Check its contact details: If the company has a phone number, call and ask verifying questions. If there’s a physical address listed, look it up with Google Maps to see if the result is actually a business.
In addition to verifying the lender you’re interested in, it’s also a good idea to consider how much a new loan will cost you over time. You can estimate how much you’ll pay for a loan using our personal loan calculator below.
Enter your loan information to calculate how much you could pay
Total Payment
$
Total Interest
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Monthly Payment
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With a
$
loan, you will pay
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monthly and a total of
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in interest over the life of your loan. You will pay a total of
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over the life of the
loan.
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Are loan forgiveness companies real?
There are some companies and organizations that can help you manage your debt, such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
However, none of these companies can grant you loan forgiveness, regardless of the type of loan you have.
The only type of loan forgiveness available is for federal student loans. Generally, you’ll have to work in a certain field and make payments for a specific amount of time to qualify.
Keep in mind: You can pursue student loan forgiveness on your own without the help of a company. And you don’t have to pay for it. If a company tries to charge you fees for loan forgiveness help, run the other way — it’s a scam.
How do loan scams work?
Loan scams can show up in a variety of ways, but the basic idea is the same: They trick you into paying money and then don’t come through with the loan funds.
Some common tactics of scammers include:
- Not requiring a credit check
- Demanding upfront payment (such as an application or credit check fee) before processing your application
- Asking you to send them money in a way that’s harder to trace and doesn’t involve bank accounts, such as with a prepaid gift card
- Pressuring you to make an instant decision
However, there are legitimate lenders who offer bad credit loans. While these loans generally come with higher interest rates, you won’t have to worry about being taken advantage of.
How to spot a personal loan scam
As you shop around for a personal loan, ask yourself the following questions to detect any potential scams:
Do they ask for money upfront? You should never have to pay money before you get your loan funds. A scammer might also require unusual payment methods, such as a prepaid credit card that can’t be tracked. Keep in mind that many legitimate personal loans come with an origination fee, which is normal. But if the lender is demanding other fees before you get your money, it’s likely a scam.
Are they using high-pressure sales tactics? Claiming that it’s a “limited-time offer” and that you need to “act now” are just a couple of ways a scammer might pressure you to make a fast, uninformed decision.
Do they check your credit? Personal loan lenders typically use a credit check to determine your creditworthiness. While there are some no-credit-check personal loans (like payday loans, pawn shop loans, and car title loans), other companies promising not to check your credit are likely a scam.
Did they approach you about the loan? Some lenders do advertise by mail with preapproved loan offers. But if a company approaches you out of the blue with an offer for a loan, it could be a scam.
Do they have a physical address? A legitimate company should be able to provide a physical address that you can verify. If you can’t find location information for the supposed company, it could be a front for a scam.
Do you feel comfortable with the company? Go with your gut. If something feels fishy to you, it probably is.
Learn More: Where to Get a Personal Loan
What to do if you have been scammed
Even after taking all of these precautions, it’s still possible to fall victim to personal loan fraud. If you’ve been scammed, follow these steps:
- Collect evidence: Document every piece of information you can about the loan, such as any agreements you signed, emails, letters, or phone calls. Also document your bank account statements, if applicable.
- File a police report with your local police department: You might need this report going forward to prove to businesses and organizations that you were targeted by a loan scam.
- File a report with appropriate agencies: After filing a police report, file a complaint with other relevant authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, your State Attorney General, and the BBB. These organizations might be able to help you get your money back or at least prevent the scammers from harming other people.
- Check your credit report: If you provided sensitive information (such as your Social Security number), check your credit to make sure the scammers don’t also steal your identity. You can use a site like AnnualCreditReport.com to review your credit reports from each of the credit bureaus. You might also consider placing a freeze on your credit report just in case.
If the scammers got ahold of your credit card information, you might be protected by your card issuer. Under the Fair Credit Bill Act, you’re liable for only $50 of unauthorized credit card charges. But depending on your card issuer, you might not be liable for any of the charges at all.
Credible lets you compare legitimate loan companies
If you decide to get a personal loan, it’s essential to make sure that the loan companies you’re considering are legitimate. One way to do this is to compare lenders through a reputable personal loan marketplace like Credible.
With Credible, you can compare your prequalified rates in two minutes from multiple lenders that have been thoroughly evaluated and vetted. Credible wants to help you find the right for you and will only recommend lenders you can trust.
Lender | Fixed rates | Loan amounts | Min. credit score |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9.95% – 35.99% APR | $2,000 to $35,000** | 580 |
*If approved, the actual loan terms that a customer qualifies for may vary based on credit determination, state law, and other factors. Minimum loan amounts vary by state. **Example: A $5,700 loan with an administration fee of 4.75% and an amount financed of $5,429.25, repayable in 36 monthly installments, would have an APR of 29.95% and monthly payments of $230.33. | |||
![]() | 6.49% – 29.99% APR | $5,000 to $35,000 | 740 |
| |||
![]() | 5.99% – 29.99% APR | $5,000 to $35,000 | 640 |
| |||
![]() | 6.99% – 24.99% APR | $2,500 to $35,000 | 660 |
| |||
![]() | 7.99% – 29.99% APR | $10,000 to $35,000 | Not disclosed by lender |
| |||
![]() | 10.68% – 35.89% APR | $1,000 to $40,000 | 600 |
LendingClub personal loans review †Based on a majority of borrowers from LendingClub’s marketing partners who were issued loans between 1/1/19-12/13/19. The time it takes for your loan to be funded may vary. | |||
![]() | 15.49% – 35.99% APR | $2,000 to $25,000 | 585 |
| |||
![]() | 3.99% – 19.99% APR | $5,000 to $100,000 | 660 |
| |||
6.99% – 19.99% APR1 | $3,500 to $40,0002 | 660 (TransUnion FICO®️ Score 9) | |
1Rate reduction available for AutoPay. 2You may be required to have some of your funds sent directly to pay off outstanding unsecured debt. 3After making 12 or more consecutive monthly payments, you can defer one payment as long as you have made all your prior payments in full and on time. Marcus will waive any interest incurred during the deferral and extend your loan by one month (you will pay interest during this extra month). Your payments resume as usual after your deferral. Advance notice is required. See loan agreement for details. | |||
![]() | 18.00% – 35.99% APR | $1,500 to $20,000 | None |
| |||
![]() | 5.99% – 24.99% APR | $5,000 to $40,000 | 640 |
| |||
![]() | 6.49% – 17.99% APR | $600 to $20,000 (depending on loan term) | 670 |
| |||
![]() | 6.95% – 35.99% APR | $2,000 to $40,000 | 640 |
| |||
![]() | 5.99% – 18.83% APR | $5,000 to $100,000 | Does not disclose |
| |||
![]() | 7.99% – 35.97% APR | $1,000 to $50,000 | 580 |
| |||
![]() | 8.13% – 35.99% APR4 | $1,000 to $50,0005 | 580 (in most states) |
4The full range of available rates varies by state. The average 3-year loan offered across all lenders using the Upstart platform will have an APR of 15% and 36 monthly payments of $33 per $1,000 borrowed. There is no down payment and no prepayment penalty. Average APR is calculated based on 3-year rates offered in the last 1 month. Your APR will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will be approved. 5This offer is conditioned on final approval based on our consideration and verification of financial and non-financial information. Rate and loan amount are subject to change based upon information received in your full application. This offer may be accepted only by the person identified in this offer, who is old enough to legally enter into contract for the extension of credit, a US citizen or permanent resident, and a current resident of the US. Duplicate offers received are void. Closing your loan is contingent on your meeting our eligibility requirements, our verification of your information, and your agreement to the terms and conditions on the www.upstart.com website. 6If you accept your loan by 5pm EST (not including weekends or holidays), loan funds will be sent to your designated bank account on the next business day, provided that such funds are not being used to directly pay off credit cards. Loans used to fund education related expenses are subject to a 3 business day wait period between loan acceptance and funding in accordance with federal law. | |||
About Rates and Terms: Rates for personal loans provided by lenders on the Credible platform range between 4.99-35.99% APR with terms from 12 to 84 months. Rates presented include lender discounts for enrolling in autopay and loyalty programs, where applicable. Actual rates may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown and will be based on the lender’s eligibility criteria, which include factors such as credit score, loan amount, loan term, credit usage and history, and vary based on loan purpose. The lowest rates available typically require excellent credit, and for some lenders, may be reserved for specific loan purposes and/or shorter loan terms. The origination fee charged by the lenders on our platform ranges from 0% to 8%. Each lender has their own qualification criteria with respect to their autopay and loyalty discounts (e.g., some lenders require the borrower to elect autopay prior to loan funding in order to qualify for the autopay discount). All rates are determined by the lender and must be agreed upon between the borrower and the borrower’s chosen lender. For a loan of $10,000 with a three year repayment period, an interest rate of 7.99%, a $350 origination fee and an APR of 11.51%, the borrower will receive $9,650 at the time of loan funding and will make 36 monthly payments of $313.32. Assuming all on-time payments, and full performance of all terms and conditions of the loan contract and any discount programs enrolled in included in the APR/interest rate throughout the life of the loan, the borrower will pay a total of $11,279.43. As of March 12, 2019, none of the lenders on our platform require a down payment nor do they charge any prepayment penalties.
About the author

Lindsay VanSomeren
Lindsay VanSomeren specializes in credit and loans and is a contributor to Credible. Her work has appeared on Credit Karma, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, and more.
Home » All » Personal Loans » How to Check If a Personal Loan Company Is Legitimate
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What is a subprime mortgage? If you’re asking this question, chances are good you’re either trying to borrow for a home with poor credit or you’ve been offered a loan you’re concerned is a subprime loan. We’ll explain the answer to the question “what is a subprime mortgage?” and discuss some of the risks and alternatives.
What is a subprime mortgage?
Prime loans usually offer competitive interest rates to well-qualified borrowers. A subprime mortgage is similar to a conventional mortgage, except it has a higher interest rate. Subprime loans are geared toward borrowers with bad credit who can’t qualify for a prime mortgage at the best rates. Lenders take a bigger risk with subprime loans, so they charge substantially higher rates due to the borrower’s poor credit history.
If you have a credit score below 620, you may not be able to qualify for a prime mortgage, but you might get a subprime mortgage.
Types of subprime mortgages
There are multiple types of subprime mortgage loans. However, one particular type of loan — an adjustable-rate mortgage — is especially common for subprime mortgages.
Adjustable-rate mortgages
Many subprime mortgages are adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs. The introductory rate on an ARM is fixed for a limited time. For example, a 5/1 ARM provides a fixed rate for five years. After that, the rate adjusts based on a financial index.
That means your interest rate may go down — but it could go up, too. ARMs carry more risk than fixed rate loans. If interest rates rise, monthly payments could increase. If you take out an adjustable loan, find out how high your payment could go. Don’t assume you’ll always be able to refinance or sell your home before it adjusts.
Fixed-rate mortgages
With fixed-rate subprime mortgages, the interest rate remains the same for the entire repayment period. Since the rate doesn’t change, payments don’t change.
The important question is, what is a subprime mortgage interest rate you’d qualify for? You need to make sure the rate is reasonable and that monthly payments are affordable.
Shop and compare rates from multiple mortgage lenders for poor credit to find the best subprime loan rates. And use a mortgage calculator to see how much your monthly payment would be for any loan you’re considering.
Interest-only mortgages
Interest-only mortgages allow you to pay only interest for a limited time, such as the first five years. This makes monthly payments more affordable, but you don’t make progress in reducing your loan principal.
At the end of the initial period, you’ll begin paying both principal and interest. Your payments may rise substantially because you’ll have a shorter timeline to pay your loan off. If you took a 30-year mortgage and only paid interest for the first 10 years, you’d have just 20 years to pay off your entire principal balance.
Most interest-only loans are also structured as ARMs, so you take the added risk of rates going up and payments rising.
Dignity mortgages
Dignity mortgages are a specific type of subprime loan offered by some lenders. With this type of mortgage, you’ll initially have a high interest rate. But if you make on-time payments for a period of time, your interest rate will eventually be reduced to the prime rate.
Subprime mortgage risks
It’s important to also consider if you’re willing to take on the risk of this type of loan. Some of the biggest risks include:
- Interest costs will be high: You will pay significantly more mortgage interest over time than if you took out a conventional mortgage.
- Finding a lender may be difficult: Not all mortgage lenders offer loans to subprime borrowers. You could be limiting your potential loan options.
- Payments could increase: If you choose an ARM, you face the risk of interest rates going up and payments rising.
- Foreclosure is possible: If you don’t pay your subprime mortgage loan, your lender will foreclose. Your credit could be severely damaged.
Lenders are required under Dodd-Frank financial reform laws to conduct an “ability-to-repay” assessment. This ensures borrowers are capable of paying back their loans. These mandates can reduce the risk for borrowers. But the bottom line is buying a house with bad credit can create a host of complications.
Alternatives to subprime mortgages
You may be wondering if there are other options. The good news is that there are multiple solutions for borrowers with bad credit. Some of the best options include these government-back loans:
- FHA loan: FHA lenders often work with borrowers with lower credit. FHA loans are available to borrowers with credit as low as 500 as long as they make a 10% down payment. Borrowers with scores of 580 or higher can get approved with a 3.5% down payment.
- VA loan: A VA mortgage loan is available to eligible service members and veterans regardless of their poor credit history. The VA doesn’t set a minimum score, but some lenders do.
USDA loan: These allow you to purchase eligible homes in rural areas. More stringent underwriting is required to qualify borrowers with credit scores below 640. But it may still be possible to qualify.
Bad Credit
Indigo Platinum Mastercard Review | NextAdvisor with TIME
Published
10 hours agoon
January 27, 2021By
Creditadmin
We want to help you make more informed decisions. Some links on this page — clearly marked — may take you to a partner website and may result in us earning a referral commission. For more information, see How We Make Money.

Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®
- Intro bonus: No current offer
- Annual fee: $0 – $99
- Regular APR: 24.90%
- Recommended credit score: 300-670 (Bad to Fair)
The Indigo Platinum Mastercard can help you build a better credit score (if you practice good credit habits) with monthly reporting to the three credit bureaus. Unlike many other options for building credit, this is an unsecured credit card, so it doesn’t require a cash deposit as collateral. But you may incur an annual fee, depending on your creditworthiness when you apply.
At a Glance
- Monthly payment reporting to the three credit bureaus for people with limited credit history or poor credit
- Annual fee of $0, $59, or $75 the first year, depending on your creditworthiness ($75 version charges a $99 annual fee after the first year)
- Unsecured credit card with no security deposit required
- Standard variable APR of 24.9%
Pros
Available to individuals with no credit history or low credit scores
Unsecured credit card
Annual fee could be as low as $0 depending on your creditworthiness
Monthly payments report to all three credit bureaus
Cons
No rewards
Annual fees vary depending on creditworthiness, and you won’t know your fee until you apply
High variable APR
$300 credit limit
Additional Card Details
The Indigo Platinum Mastercard is geared toward people with “less than perfect credit” or minimal credit histories. Like other credit-building card options, it doesn’t offer a lot of perks.
You will get a few benefits, like online account access and reporting to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). You can also choose from multiple card designs for no extra charge.
Prequalification is another benefit of the Indigo Platinum Mastercard. Prequalifying is a great way to gauge your approval odds and the terms of your offer without filling out a full application and undergoing a credit check, which can temporarily hurt your credit score. If you do choose to apply after pre-qualifying, you’ll still be subject to credit approval with a hard credit inquiry.
Should You Get this Card?
Many credit cards available to people with bad credit scores are secured credit cards that require a cash deposit as collateral. The Indigo Platinum Mastercard offers an alternative to secured cards for building better credit, but has its own drawbacks.
For one, your credit limit is capped at $300. If you’re approved for a version of this card with an annual fee, it’ll be automatically applied, which means your starting limit could be as low as $225.
The annual fee itself is another drawback. The amount you’re charged will depend on your creditworthiness when you apply. If your approval comes with an annual fee, that $59 or $99 ($75 the first year) charge can quickly add up over time. Consider other cards with no annual fee (and even no annual fee secured credit cards) that may make better long-term options for building a healthier credit profile.
How to Use the Indigo Platinum Mastercard
Because the Indigo Platinum Mastercard doesn’t offer any rewards and your credit limit is just $300, you should use this credit card for the sole purpose of improving your credit score. Only make purchases you can afford to pay off when your statement is due, and pay your bill on time to avoid up to $40 in late fees and a penalty APR up to 29.9%.
Pro Tip
Building a great credit score, whether you’re starting from no credit history or repairing damaged credit, requires a foundation of good credit habits your credit card can help establish — such as timely payments, low credit utilization, and paying off your balances in full each month.
The Indigo Platinum Mastercard’s low credit limit means you’ll need to be extra careful with your spending to improve your credit score. Using more than 30% of your available credit can hurt your credit utilization rate — one of the most influential factors in your credit score. With a credit limit of $300, that means you should keep your charges below $90.
The goal of a card like Indigo Platinum Mastercard is to, over time, improve your credit score enough to qualify for a better credit card. Use this card to establish and maintain the healthy credit habits (like timely payments in full, low utilization, and consistently paying down balances) that will improve your credit long-term, and help you qualify for a card that’s better suited for your spending habits in the future.
Indigo Platinum Mastercard Compared to Other Cards

Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®
- Intro bonus:
No current offer
- Annual fee:
$0 – $99
- Regular APR:
24.90%
- Recommended credit:
300-670 (Bad to Fair)
- Learn more at our partner’s secure site

Citi® Secured Mastercard®
- Intro bonus:
No current offer
- Annual fee:
$0
- Regular APR:
22.49% (Variable)
- Recommended credit:
(No Credit History)
- Learn more at our partner’s secure site

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Intro bonus:
No current offer
- Annual fee:
$39
- Regular APR:
26.99% (Variable)
- Recommended credit:
(No Credit History)
- Learn more at our partner’s secure site
Bottom Line
EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE
As with all of our credit card reviews, our analysis is not influenced by any partnerships or advertising relationships.
If your credit score isn’t great and you want to start building the credit foundation to move in the right direction, the Indigo Platinum Mastercard can help by reporting your usage to the three credit bureaus — if you practice good habits that will reflect positively on your report. But you may also take on a pricey annual fee and risk high utilization due to the card’s low credit limit. Before applying, consider other cards for bad credit and secured credit cards with no annual fee that may better serve your credit-building goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Indigo Platinum Mastercard is a decent option for consumers with poor credit who don’t want to put down a security deposit on a secured credit card. Check your prequalification terms, and compare other options for people with fair credit or bad credit before applying.
The credit limit for the Indigo Platinum Mastercard is $300. If you get approved for a version with an annual fee, your annual fee will be deducted from your credit limit.
The Indigo Platinum Mastercard is an unsecured credit card, so you do not have to put down a cash deposit as collateral.
Bad Credit
Akron community supports council recommendations on police reform
Published
15 hours agoon
January 27, 2021By
Creditadmin
| Akron Beacon Journal
Critics on either side of the police reform debate see promise in what Akron City Council has done.
The union representing officers “can work with” the eight recommendations in council’s 22-page report on Reimagining Public Safety, which was released publicly this week.
The head of the Akron NAACP is applauding the time and consideration council committed to do “something that definitely needed done.”
And the Rev. Greg Harrison, a retired Akron detective a regular critic of local lawmakers who fail to understand the inner working of the city’s police force, praised council members for allowing officers to educate them on policing in Akron before putting together “substantial” and “solid” recommendations.
“I am very surprised, because really I did not think that the council was going to come up with such substantial recommendations,” said Harrison. “I am surprised, but I’m happy. I think the recommendations, if implemented, put us light years ahead of what any task force can come up with.”
Eleven of the 13 City Council members present Monday afternoon unanimously supported a resolution adopting the recommendations. But that’s all they are, at this point: recommendations to work with the next police chief, the mayor and community partners to craft legislation after collecting public input.
And some of these recommendations have been recommended before.
The first — to give the city’s independent police auditor enough staff and resources to do his job — has been sought by the community since the position was created in the early 2000s. It was a priority in a 2011 report by the Police Executive Research Forum, an independent firm of law enforcement experts who dived into policing in Akron when leaders kicked around the idea of reforms more than a decade ago.
“I want to applaud them for taking the time to do what they did,” Judith Hill, president of the Akron NAACP said after looking over the recommendations. “I think it was important and it was something that definitely needed to be done.
“And I know this is the beginning of a process,” she continued, “but I don’t see anything that sets aside funding to support changes.”
Some recommendations, like crisis intervention training to all officers, identify limited funding as a barrier.
On that, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 President Clay Cozart agrees with some of the loudest advocates for change.
“It’s going to require more officers. It’s going to require more training. And it’s going to require more funding, and that’s probably the most difficult issue to tackle,” Cozart said.
He added that he found it “disingenuous” that council, though reaching out to him Sunday, waited until 10 minutes before the recommendations went public on Monday to share them with him.
General approval of the eight recommendations, which can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3piHNyc, was not without some concern. The Beacon Journal sought but received no comment from Police Cheif Ken Ball, who is retiring in February, or Maj. Michael Caprez.
Cozart said ramping up foot and bike patrols is fine, as long as an officer in danger isn’t left high and dry because backup is walking to get there.
Harrison paused when he got to language about hiring. Candidates are screened and questioned on their bad credit reports and drug offenses, which could be minor and nonviolent. This interview process, which involves a lie detector test, determines whether they get hired.
“They have absolute control of recommending or not recommending them,” Harrison said of sergeants doing the background investigations of potential cadets. “When they say it’s an honesty issue, that’s a judgement call. And when you’re talking about implicit biases, a lot of those biases come into play.”
Hill said she and members of her community have a strong interest in some citizen oversight committee. Council, instead, recommended strengthening the police auditor’s position, which Hill said she was something sought “across the board” in the community.
Now, she said, lawmakers need to find ways, in conjunction with the mayor and Akron police and community partners, to fund these recommendations and benchmark progress by collecting data today “to see how changes are affecting policies and procedure” after implementation.
“I was pleased to see all of the progress our city is making both in structure and inclusive thinking to better benefit Akron citizens and help our police department both reflect and serve the community more effectively,” added Bree Chambers, president of Akron Minority Council. The group of youth-led social justice advocates handed the mayor and council a list of police reforms in July, including a “great many” of that are “outlined or alluded to” in council’s recommendations.
As council works to legislate the recommendations, University of Akron Sociology and Anthropology Department Chair Rebecca Erickson has been asked to host virtual town hall meetings with residents in every city ward. Faculty and students will facilitate the conversations generated by the recommendations. Erickson said police officers will join the discussion by the end of the spring semester as a community survey solicits broader feedback.
Council President Margo Sommerville said that since council announced the special committee on Reimagining Public Safety in July, the public has asked when they would get the chance to speak on the topic of policing and community relations.
“Maybe there’s something that we missed that needs to be addressed,” Sommerville said. “So, we want to give the public that opportunity to do that. We’re really excited about this partnership and collaboration with the University of Akron because that too is something that we have not tapped into enough.”
Prior to approving the recommendations, council members thanked police officers and command staff who educated the special committee’s four working groups. It was enlightening, they said.
“We are probably far more advanced than many police agencies in terms of incorporating social services in to the police work that we do,” said Councilwoman Linda Omobien, the director of clinical services at Community Support Services.
“The Akron Police Department liaisons showed that this is an institution that has led the way on many of these issues, like on Crisis Intervention Team training. At the same time, they really showed that they want to keep moving forward,” said Councilman Shammas Malik, who was regarded by colleagues on council as critical to the success of a fact-finding, deliberative process that spanned five months and 22 meetings.
“It would not have been possible if not for him,” Sommerville said.
Malik credited Sommerville’s leadership as the driving force in “something that council hasn’t done before.”
“When we talk about building equitable policing, when we talk about improving community trust with law enforcement, here are ideas that I think we can all get behind,” Malik said. “Getting community input through the University of Akron is going to be important.”
Councilman Russ Neal said the process council started in September to better understand policing is a model for understanding and legislating solutions to other complex problems like housing high utility costs in the city. Neal asked council to consider more staff to help them dive deeply into other issues.
Along with involvement, Cozart said the union supports legislation that is grounded by facts. The process led to “more enlightenment and education on both sides,” he said.
“Change has to occur,” Hill said. “And it’s going to be a win-win for everyone once we get through the process.”
Reach reporter Doug Livingston at [email protected] or 330-996-3792.
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