Council Resolution Implores Mayor to Make Commission Appointments

Philadelphia City Council passed a resolution urging Mayor John Street to fill vacancies on the Police Advisory Commission

(PRWEB) October 23, 2004 -- City Council today unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the Police Advisory Commission and urging the Mayor to fulfill his responsibility under Executive Order 8-93, and fill the 19 vacancies on the Commission.

The terms of all current members officially expired in October, 2003. Six members continue to serve. In December 2003, the mayor was provided a list of council designees, from which at least 9 (seven regular, two alternates) must be chosen. The Mayor, who has the power to appoint Commissioners at any time, chooses the remaining 10 (eight regular, two alternates) appointments.

Councilmembers Juan Ramos, David Cohen and Michael Nutter sponsored the resolution. Councilman Ramos spoke candidly about the lack of appointments, and cited the delay as a contributing factor in forcing the Commission to curtail operations.

Last Wednesday, several prospective Commission members met with the remaining Commission members and staff. Ive spoken with many officers in the Police department and they have all expressed to me the need for the work that this Commission does, provided its done in a fair and impartial manner. I hope to be able to contribute to that process," said Thomas Walsh of Northeast Philadelphia.    

Though the Commission has stopped scheduling additional panel hearings due to the lack of appointments, citizen complaints continue to be accepted, investigated and audited.

Complaints filed at the Commission office and through its website have been increasing steadily since July. Twenty-four complaints were received in September, the greatest number in that month since the Commission began operations a decade ago.

Contact:
Kelvyn Anderson, Deputy Director
215-686-3982
kelvyn.anderson@phila.gov

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