Authorizing the City Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings to monitor the progress made in improving the handling of sexual assault complaints as set forth in the recommendations adopted by the entire City Council on December 16, 1999.

Whereas, On November 4, 1999, resolution # 990775 was introduced and sponsored by an overwhelming majority of City Council members. Resolution #990775 authorized City Council’s Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings and examine the efficacy of the investigation and prosecution of sex crimes in the city; and,

Whereas, On December 6, 1999, the Committee on Public Safety held public hearings to investigate issues and concerns as specified in Resolution #990775. The hearings were extensive and informative and engaged the participation of city officials, expert witnesses and community activists; and,

Whereas, On December 13, 1999, a meeting of the Committee on Public Safety was convened and a series of recommendations were approved and reported out of committee for consideration and adoption by the entire City Council;

Whereas, On December 16, 1999, at a regular meeting of the legislature, the City Council unanimously approved and adopted the report and recommendations presented by Council’s Committee on Public Safety; and

Whereas, In adopting the recommendations by City Council’s Committee on Public Safety, the City Council authorized the Committee on Public Safety to continue to “monitor the progress made in improving the handling of sexual assault complaints,” during City Council’s new term beginning in January, 2000; and,

Whereas, Among the recommendations adopted by the City Council, specific reports and information were requested by members of City Council requiring follow-up and deliberation by the Committee on Public Safety; therefore,

Be it resolved, By the Council of the City of Philadelphia, That the Committee on Public Safety is hereby authorized to hold public hearings and meetings to monitor the progress made in improving the handling of sexual assault complaints as set forth in the recommendations adopted by the entire City Council on December 16, 1999.

Further resolved, That the City Council Committee on Public Safety provide the City Council with its findings and any further recommendations the Committee on Public Safety deems appropriate for consideration by this legislative body.

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