April 17, 2022 – In Breaking News – FOX8

Video evidence released Monday by state authorities shows Jayland Walker fired a gun from his vehicle during a police pursuit on the night he was shot dead by eight Akron police officers.

A special grand jury chose not to pursue charges against those officers, Attorney General Dave Yost’s office announced Monday.

State prosecutor Anthony Pierson on Monday walked through the investigation. The case files were also published Monday on the attorney general’s website “for everyone to see,” Yost said.

(Nearly ten months after Jayland Walker was killed in a shooting by Akron police, a grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against the eight officers involved in his death. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced during a Monday afternoon press conference. Jurors issued a “no bill” decision, with Yost stating they felt the officers’ use of deadly force against Walker was justified by state law. Courtesy of WKYC Channel 3 and YouTube. Posted Apr 17, 2023.)

Akron police spotted Walker’s 2005 Buick Century and noted it didn’t have a working license plate light, Pierson said. Dispatch records showed officers from another agency had pursued the car the night prior for the same minor traffic violation.

But Akron police didn’t pull the car over at that time.

Minutes later, police spotted the car back in the area of East Tallmadge Avenue and North Howard Street and attempted to stop Walker.

Walker fled and fired at least one shot from the vehicle, Pierson said.

In the early hours of June 27, 2022, Walker was driving around the city. Cell phone records show his phone connecting to towers around the city.

“There is no indication that he is actually going anywhere in particular, but he is just driving in the area,” said Pierson. “He is driving in the same area where he was pulled over the night before.”

(Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Police Chief Steve Mylett held a press conference Monday after a grand jury declined to indict officers in the shooting death of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man killed by police in June 2022 after fleeing a traffic stop. Police said Walker refused to stop when they tried to pull him over for minor equipment and traffic violations, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said that Walker fired at police, and that he “shot first.” Courtesy of CBS News and YouTube. Posted Apr 17, 2023.)

Cuyahoga Falls officer Jarrett Heatwall was stationed at an intersection when Akron police were pursuing Walker for the broken tail light. His camera caught the gunshot coming from Walker’s car.

” … While on the entrance ramp a sound of a gunshot came out and the Akron PD unit appeared to attempt to swerve away from the suspect vehicle’s line of fire,” wrote Heatwall in an incident report.

Officers then called a signal 21 — “the highest response level for Akron Police Department,” Pierson said — which called all available officers to assist.

(Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett announced Monday that the names of the police officers involved in the incident will not be released due to “active, viable and credible” threats. Courtesy of WKYC Channel 3 and YouTube. Posted on Apr 17, 2023.)

Continue reading… Walker investigation revealed: What we didn’t know before

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NYPD Recognized in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

NYPD Chief of Department Kenneth Corey speaks to success stories and merits of the NYPD Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU) at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony in NYC.

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering it’s Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

New York City Police Department (NYPD)

Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response

• The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is the largest and one of the oldest municipal police departments in the United States, with approximately 36,000 officers, and 19,000 civilian employees.

• The NYPD was established in 1845, and today, is responsible for policing an 8.5-million-person city, by performing a wide variety of public safety, law enforcement, traffic management, counterterror, and emergency response roles.

• In the past 25 years, the department has achieved spectacular declines in both violent and property crime, ensuring that New York City has the lowest overall rate of major crimes in the 25 largest cities in the country.

New York City Police Department (NYPD)

Excellence in Public Safety

• Technical Assistance and Response Unit (TARU) Plant 1

• NYPD TARU Unit Plant 1 is responsible for providing ground-breaking technologies and assistance in real-time to identify criminal activity, and in many instances, mitigate it before a tragedy occurs.

• TARU enhances the NYPD’s crime-fighting capabilities and investigations by providing technical equipment and support.

• The TARU unit is tasked with assisting units within the department as well as federal, state, and city agencies by providing technical assistance in some of the most high-profile and confidential investigations.

New York City Police Foundation

Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience

• The New York City Police Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that provides resources for the NYPD to innovate and improve the quality of its services; build bridges with the community; and make New York City a safer place to live, work and visit.

• The New York City Police Foundation provides resources for four core areas of support which:

  • Advance programs to prevent violent crime, thwart terrorism, and safeguard the people of our city;

  • Strengthen communities by building relationships between the NYPD and community members, including youth across the five boroughs;

  • Enhance leadership, wellness, and training within the NYPD; and,

  • Pilot new technologies, and provide resources and services to protect the public and the police.

(Learn More. On December 20, 2019, The NYPD and New York City Police Foundation announced an initiative rolling out 550 new light-weight bullet-resistant vests for NYPD detectives. The bullet-resistant vests previously used by the NYPD were heavier and thicker, making it difficult for undercover officers and detectives to wear them under or over their suits or other attire. The new vests are easier to wear over clothing, while still offering lifesaving protection. The need for the light-weight vests was underscored after the tragic incident that resulted in the line-of-duty death of Detective Brian Simonsen on February 12, 2019. Courtesy of the New York City Police Foundation and YouTube.)

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. Because #MentorshipMatters.

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2023 in New York City!

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.

These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.

Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.

The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event, in the heart of New York City.

The 2022 exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.

The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.

The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.

AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.

FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.

Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.

As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.

Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis,’ thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors. 

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by NEC National Security Systems (NSS), ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America, guardDog AI, Fortior Solutions, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

We were pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police,  as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).

The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.

Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.

ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:

Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk  Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today – and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

• Provides named sources
• Reported by more than one notable outlet
• Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

Subscribe to the AST Daily News Alert Here.