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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Ronald G. Waters |
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PLBC sends letter to Mayor Nutter regarding police misconduct
Seeks accountability and reform for police department
PHILADELPHIA, April 9 -- The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus recently sent a letter to Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter decrying the recent allegations of abuses and civil rights violations by members of the Philadelphia Police Department.
"It is this body's position that while public safety is and should be a top priority, it should never come at the expense of individual civil rights," PLBC Chairman Ronald G. Waters, D-Phila./Delaware, said in his letter. "While the PLBC has the greatest respect for the vast majority of Philadelphia police officers who, with integrity, put their lives on the line each day for our safety, it is unacceptable to turn a blind eye to those rogue officers who violate our laws and disregard individual civil rights.
"We want to help ensure that all members of the Philadelphia Police Department uphold the ideals of honor, integrity, and service in the execution of their duties."
PLBC Secretary Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, D-Phila., also made a statement regarding the behavior of the officers involved.
"Philadelphia police officers are public servants and it’s never acceptable for them to act in a disrespectful manner when dealing with the public," Johnson said.
The PLBC has requested that Nutter convene a meeting of Philadelphia leaders and stakeholders to begin the process of healing community wounds and rebuilding the community's trust in the Philadelphia Police Department. The caucus is actively exploring possible avenues of reform, including reconstituting the Police Advisory Commission, to give the community a greater role in matters of police misconduct.
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