In an effort to expand accountability and transparency of the Philadelphia Police Department and its officers, the Kenney Administration and City Council is seeking applicants to become a commissioner of the Citizen Police Oversight Commission.
Commissioners will support the new Citizen Police Oversight Commission in its work to improve police conduct, enhance the quality of internal investigations, and increase communication and engagement between the community and the Philadelphia Police Department.
“Serving on the Citizens Police Oversight Commission is a terrific opportunity to give back to our city,” said Mayor Jim Kenney in a statement. “This new Commission will increase police accountability and bolster the relationship with the department and community it serves — both of which are key to improving public safety and creating a stronger city for us all.”
The selection process will be led by a panel composed of three appointees from City Council and two appointees from the Kenney Administration. The Selection Panel appointees include Pastor Carl Day, Culture Changing Christians; Vanessa Garrett Harley, Managing Director’s Office; Anjelica Hendricks, Esq., Former Police Advisory Commission staff; Pastor Mark Tyler, Mother Bethel/POWER; and Samantha J. Williams, Esq., Office of Councilmember Curtis Jones.
Those interested in applying to be a Commissioner of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission, can do so online. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 5. City Council will vote to confirm the slate of candidates nominated by the selection panel.
“The Civilian Police Oversight Commission is an important reform, conceived by City Council and approved by the people of Philadelphia,” said City Council President Darrell L. Clarke. “It’s equally important that the board of the new commission encompass a diverse range of voices and residents who reflect Philadelphia’s many, varied neighborhoods.”
