Philadelphia, August 20, 2019 – Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) issued the following statement this evening to the announcement that Police Commissioner Richard Ross has resigned.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Police Commissioner Ross’ resignation,” Council President Clarke said. “I have known and worked closely with Commissioner Ross for decades.”
“Rich Ross is an excellent officer and commander of our city’s police force – most recently shown in his handling of last week’s crisis in North Philadelphia, where he helped negotiate the surrender of the gunman charged with shooting six officers and subjecting a whole neighborhood to trauma.”
“That said, it is very troubling to learn of allegations of sexual harassment and gender and racial discrimination within the department. We must have zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination of any kind within the police department and any city agency. That policy must apply to every city employee, supervisor and leader at all levels of city government.”
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