Philadelphia National Action Network Presents Update on Justice Assesment of Deadly Force in Philadelphia Police Department Part 1

In Philadelphia as in many cities in the United States of America we the citizens particularly in communities of color face a public health crisis due to the Philadelphia police methods of policing our communities and the use of deadly force. Philadelphia National Action Network have been advocating for accountability and transparency within the police department for over a decade. NAN was able to have the U. S. Justice Dept. investigate the deadly force of  our police department.
Out of that investigation came a 91 point assessment with recommendations. September 17th, NAN hosted an update to share the findings with the community and invite more members of our communities to get involved with addressing the recommendations.

We heard from Kelvyn Anderson, Executive Director City of Philadelphia Police Advisory Commission, the official civilian oversight agency of the City of Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Police Department

Police Advisory Commission

990 Spring Garden Street, 7th Floor, Suite 705
Philadelphia, PA 19123

215-685-0891
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Public Participation

All citizens deserve the right to be heard. The Police Advisory Commission's intention is to establish fair and orderly rules that will enable the Commission to deliberate without interruption and allow ample opportunity for those citizens who want to participate and be heard.

Agendas and Minutes

PAC meetings are open to the public and held on the third Monday of each month at its office (990 Spring Garden St, 7th Floor), or at community centers, churches and other locations throughout the city. Recent Meeting Agendas and Minutes. http://www.phila.gov/pac/meetings/Pages/default.aspx

To become a change agent in how the police operate in our city please join the commission, your help is needed. Out of the 91 point assessment came a new use of force continuum and the need for police officers to be trained in other ground fighting techniques, for example the use of pepper spray as an option to shooting. Possibly having citizens on call when a police shooting occurs so that their is non police eyes also on the seen.

There was also a  request to learn the names of police officers involved in shootings and to have those police officers held accountable. The 91 point assessment recommends that police officers be given three days to have their statement recorded. We would like to have that statement video recorded and done within 24 hours of the shooting as would be the case if a civilian was accused of a shooting. The police feel that releasing that information would put the officers in jeopardy which research has proven is not the case. The police labor relations are fighting the recommendations and have support with House Bill 1538.

The policy concerning the use of body cameras is currently being created by the police department with no input from us the citizens who pay their salary. We need to have input on this and other policy created to address the use of deadly force by the Philadelphia police. In part 2 of this blog i will be able to share more info with you. At the moment my grandsons are requesting my attention!!

Please become part of the Philadelphia Police Advisory Commission today!!