Council President Clarke sitting in council session

COUNCIL PRESIDENT CLARKE STATEMENT ON DISTURBING SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS ATTRIBUTED TO PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICERS

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Philadelphia, June 7, 2019 – Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) today issued the following statement in response to reports that a number of Philadelphia Police Department Officers are among those alleged to have made racially offensive posts on social media:

“I am deeply disturbed by reports of the racist and dehumanizing posts allegedly made by members of the Philadelphia Police Department. Posts like these seriously undermine the relationships that our communities need to have with the individuals who wear a Philadelphia Police Department uniform and serve our diverse neighborhoods every day.

While we understand that these posts do not reflect how the majority of Philadelphia Police Officers conduct themselves, such comments inevitably erode the trust and confidence that citizens have in law enforcement.

In 2017, Philadelphia City Council sponsored and voters approved a charter change that strengthened and provided consistent funding for the Police Advisory Commission, an independent civilian oversight board for the Philadelphia Police Department.

I commend the Department leadership for beginning a thorough investigation of these postings, particularly those postings that show explicit bias or advocate violence.  As the investigation continues, I would remind all involved that the Commission should be part of this conversation to ensure that police officers are accountable to the communities they serve. The citizens of Philadelphia deserve nothing less.”

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