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Stephen L. Mylett will be the new chief of the Akron Police Department.
His first day on the job will be Aug. 9.
Mylett was one of four finalists for the position following a nationwide search. The Long Island native most recently served as Chief in Bellevue, Wash., and comes to the position with 32 years of experience.
The selection process included a community town hall and a community survey.
“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,” Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said.
Mylett started out in the Air Force and got into law enforcement in 1989. He first served as a member of the Corpus Christi, Texas, police department where he eventually became assistant chief of police in 2011.
From there, he went to Southlake, Texas, to become chief of police before moving to the same position in Bellevue in 2015.
Mylett graduated from Midwestern State University with a bachelor’s degree and has a master’s degree in criminal justice leadership and management from Sam Houston State University.
“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,” Horrigan said. “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.”
As Akron’s chief, Mylett will lead a department with an annual budget of $70 million and 447 total officers.
“I am honored at the opportunity to serve the Akron community and the officers of the APD as your next Chief of Police,” Mylett said Thursday. “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.”
Mylett’s base salary will be $144,788.80 per year. The city also authorized an additional $29,722.20 annual bonus as part of the national recruitment effort.
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