PSP react to Law Enforcement Citizen Advisory recommendations - WHP Harrisburg
Today, the Pennsylvania State Police issued their responses to recommendations from the Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement Citizen Advisory Commission. This commission has been working with state police to help improve policing practices within law enforcement agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction.
In December, the commission made recommendations related to police-involved shootings, use of force, and bias-based policing.
“I couldn't have envisioned a better process and a better program, that we are allowed to talk with law enforcement, we're allowed to share perspectives, and we're allowed to give recommendations from a vantage point that I think is really important for law enforcement to hear," said committee member, Keir Bradford-Grey, who is a partner at Montgomery McCraken Walker and Rhodes.
The Pennsylvania State Police have agreed to suggestions that would allow for more transparency when filing complaints.
“So if you believe that you are being racially profiled, or you are treated unfairly based on race, gender, you know, sexual orientation, whatever that is, that you are able to have full access to how you could file a complaint, and actually understand what you could have at your disposal," said Bradford-Grey, who added that this will allow for the public to request body camera and police video footage.
“I don't think it's going to be too long until we'll see some of these changes happen on the Pennsylvania State Police's website that will allow the community to understand how they can deal with grievances," said Bradford-Grey.
The police did not agree with the committee's recommendation for an outside agency to handle criminal investigations into use of force incidents that result in death or serious injury.
“It's hard to have an agency review itself, and whatever they come out with, I think it's gonna erode public trust. This is the same issue that we've been dealing with as many of the law enforcement review is by law enforcement agents," said Bradford-Grey.
The Pennsylvania said they cannot implement this change without legislative action. In a statement they said, "the PSP is committed to improvement and will continue to evaluate its investigative processes to ensure best practices are consistent with laws and accreditation standards, pending a legislative change to allow external investigation."
The Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement Citizen Advisory Commission was created by an executive order from Governor Wolf in 2020, with the goal of creating transparency and accountability between the public and the police. It is made up of members from each of the Pennsylvania State Police geographical areas and six citizens chosen at large.
The meetings are ongoing and the public is invited to attend to offer any suggestions of feedback. More information can be found on the Inspector General's website.
source: https://local21news.com/news/local/psp-react-to-law-enforcement-citizen-advisory-recommendations
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