WHEREAS, On June 11, 2020, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. introduced Resolution No. 200377 and Bill No. 200367, which together, propose an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of a Citizens Police Oversight Commission. This legislative package was passed by Philadelphia City Council on June 25, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Amendments to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter require approval by the voters of the City of Philadelphia. As such, voters will decide whether to approve this measure by way of a question that will appear on the ballot for the November 3, 2020 General Election; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Citizens Police Advisory Commission shall be to review and improve police officer conduct, to help hold the Police Department accountable for officers’ actions, to enhance the quality of internal investigations of alleged misconduct, to add transparency to the disciplinary process, to establish a clear process for the submission and consideration of complaints of police misconduct, and to improve communication between the community and the Police Department; and
WHEREAS, If the measure is approved by voters, Philadelphia City Council will be authorized to introduce subsequent legislation that will determine the composition, powers, and duties of the new Commission, that will succeed the current Police Advisory Commission; and
WHEREAS, If approved, the Citizens Police Oversight Commission would be an independent, community driven body. As such, members of the community should have the opportunity to provide input and suggestions for what the new Commission should look like, and what their powers should be; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby authorizes the City Council Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform to hold public hearings that will serve as a listening session for the public to weigh in on what a new Citizens Police Oversight Commission would look like if approved on the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election.
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