Petition to Amend 18 Pa.C.S. §508 (Use of Force in Law Enforcement) for Presentation to State Representative Martina White

 

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Opening Statement

 

By Frank Pavgouzas, Retired Philadelphia Police Officer

 

This proposed amendment is being presented by retired Philadelphia police officers Frank Pavgouzas, a 25-year veteran, and Peter klepesky a 33 year veteran of the Philadelphia police department and Walter brennen a 40 year veteran of the Philadelphia and cpl. Tony piluso 25 year veteran of the police department, who is working in coordination with the Office of State Representative Martina White to bring this critical issue before the Pennsylvania Legislature.

 

This proposal has also been presented to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, which has indicated support for the proposed amendment. However, institutional support alone is not enough—we must also have the support of law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth, as well as the communities they serve.

 

This amendment is a matter of public importance and public safety. It seeks to ensure that the law governing police use of force is applied as it was intended by the legislature—under 18 Pa.C.S. §508, the statute specifically enacted for law enforcement officers.

 

Without this clarification, officers may and already have been subjected to prosecution under inapplicable legal standards, creating inconsistency, uncertainty, and risk not only for law enforcement, as seen in prosecutions of police officers Ryan pownall, mark dial and staff inspector Joseph bologna, but also for the safety of the public as a whole 

 

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Call to Action

 

Please join this effort by signing this petition in support of the proposed amendment.

 

We also encourage you to share this petition with your family, friends, and colleagues, and to forward your support to Pennsylvania legislators—particularly those who have demonstrated support for law enforcement, including members endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and other law enforcement organizations. (Listed below.)

 

This legislation will require bipartisan support to succeed. Your voice is essential to ensuring that Pennsylvania establishes clear, consistent, and lawful standards governing police use of force.

 

 

 

Thank you for your support.

 

 

 

I strongly support the proposed amendment to 18pacs 508 and request this proposed amendment be presented to the pa legislature for adoption 

Any further questions please contact the email amendpasection508369@gmail.com