In the fall of 2020, Philadelphia residents overwhelmingly voted in favor of greater accountability for members of the Philadelphia Police Department. It should never be forgotten that the momentum that created the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) came at such a high price: the lives of George Floyd and Walter Wallace. 

A large majority of Philadelphians voted to authorize CPOC to launch independent, citizen-driven investigations into alleged police misconduct. Since the passage of the legislation, however, this has not been happening.  Additionally, police officers who have been fired because they were deemed unworthy to serve by their own peers have too often been given their jobs back through the process of arbitration. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, a staggering 85% of fired officers get their jobs back with pay. 

To that end, the ACT NOW Coalition is urging the Negotiating Team sent in by the mayor to prioritize the following three demands in the contract negotiations between the City of Philadelphia and the Fraternal Order of Police:

1) allow CPOC to conduct independent investigations per the legislation;

2) require arbitrators to use a standard burden of proof and ensure that discipline is final if the Department meets its burden; and

3) make arbitration hearings and arbitration awards public.

If you are in agreement with these demands and you live in Philadelphia, please sign this petition and share with others. 

We know increased accountability, consistency, and transparency in police discipline will lead to greater trust between community members and police and will greatly improve public safety in our city.  Please join the Coalition to spread awareness, educate others, and take action.  Share this link after signing on and let your voice be heard!

About Live Free: Live Free is a national organization dedicated to ending gun violence, mass incarceration, and criminalization of our communities. Since 2011, we have been building a network of thousands of faith leaders, directly impacted leaders, and movement partners working to bring peace and healing to our cities. Live Free in Philadelphia has been active since 2019.