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The mayor signed two executive orders last week to help monitor police conduct and increase the public’s trust.
“Philadelphia’s police officers are the best-trained law enforcement agency in the nation,” Mayor Michael Nutter said in a statement. “[June 21’s] announcement makes certain that their actions are held to a high standard. These procedural changes are being implemented because we have a police commissioner who values a transparent and accountable police department. I signed two executive orders that will ensure that the department will continually review and evaluate their policies.”
The first will launch a searchable electronic database in which to enter all pedestrian and vehicular investigation reports along with frisks and searches, according to a press release from the City. This measure is part of a settlement of Bailey v. City of Philadelphia, which claimed stop and frisk temporary detentions violated the 14th Amendment. The second order will revise the complaint process for alleged police misconduct. Citizen Complaint Reports will be available at police districts and online at www.phillypolice.com.
“I am fully supportive of these measures and welcome outside review,” Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey said in a statement. “It is not only our responsibility as law enforcement officers to uphold the constitutional rights for all people, it is the foundation of the oath to which we swear.” SPR
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
Also in this week’s Police Report:
Uninvited guests
Violent relations
Around the bend slaying
Convicted predator unlisted
Dog down
Child gun fight
Robbed and knocked down
1918 police causality honored
Crime prevention tips
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