SUMMIT COUNTY, OH — Fairlawn City Council passed three pieces of legislation to accept federal CARES Act funding from Summit County to expand the City’s existing fiber network for use by the County’s criminal justice and public safety agencies. The County will introduce similar legislation on August 17 to send $6.5 million to Fairlawn to fund the expansion.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions it places on gatherings and face-to-face interaction, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro’s Division of Public Safety began investigating the feasibility of holding hearings, assessments, and all other court proceedings allowed by law, virtually. Following consultation with subject matter experts, it was determined the Criminal Justice Integrated Technology Project would require a secure and dedicated high-speed fiber network.
Expanding FairlawnGig to County and Akron Criminal Justice Municipal Buildings
Through a partnership with City of Fairlawn and the City of Akron, the County CARES funding will be used to expand FairlawnGig to County and Akron municipal buildings that hold criminal justice proceedings or house inmates. The expansion will facilitate virtual court proceedings to increase the safety and security of law enforcement, court employees, inmates and the general public.
“COVID-19 has forced us to rethink how government operates and delivers services. As we begin to adjust to life with the virus, we have to consider how to safely and efficiently meet the needs of our community,” said Executive Shapiro. “This project prioritizes both safety and efficiency, and perfectly aligns with the CARES Act regulations. We appreciate the cities of Fairlawn and Akron working with us to keep everyone involved in the criminal justice system safe.”
The project, if approved by Summit County Council, is expected to be completed by December 2020.
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