COUNCILMEMBERS APPLAUD MAYOR PARKER FOR NEGOTIATING FOR INDEPENDENT OVERSIGHT OF POLICE MISCONDUCT

Councilmember O'Rourke delivered a letter, signed by nine other councilmembers, to Mayor Parker, encouraging her administration as negotiations with PPD's union continue

This morning, Minority Whip O'Rourke sent Mayor Parker a letter supporting her commitment to negotiate for independent investigatory power for the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) as the city drafts a new contract with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5.

The letter - signed by nine other Councilmembers - referenced the importance of CPOC's work, calling the body "essential to addressing generations of eroding trust between the Philadelphia Police Department and the city it serves."

Minority Whip O'Rourke issued the following statement on negotiations and CPOC's importance:

"Philly voters consistently demand institutions that hold police accountable for misconduct, most recently in 2020 by voting for the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC). To fulfill its mission CPOC needs to be fully empowered to conduct independent investigations, an essential tool that needs to be negotiated into the F.O.P. contract - and a step that a majority of Council supports.

Councilmember Jones, CPOC's champion, picked up the baton from previous generations and has deeply informed the expanding push for law enforcement oversight in Philly. Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson has worked to place F.O.P. negotiations in the public eye through mandatory public hearings, where I was grateful for the chance to join my colleagues and insist that the administration fight for CPOC's independence. Focusing on public engagement and accountability is the right approach for Council, it's evident in how CPOC operates, and it should culminate in the investigatory body voters asked for.

American democracy still has to fight for and win institutions with real, independent oversight of law enforcement, so I appreciate the commitment from Mayor Parker to negotiate for that power for CPOC. My office delivered the administration a letter, signed by nine other Councilmembers, reiterating our support and encouraging the work it takes to set a new standard.

I'll continue to advocate for CPOC to fully realize its independent investigatory power and other efforts to ensure that Philly acknowledges, addresses, and prevents law enforcement misconduct and abuse without hesitance."

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