Commission rejects police union contract proposal

Philadelphia Police Contract Sparks Controversy Over Oversight

Mayor Cherelle Parker and leaders of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 have expressed satisfaction with a newly negotiated two-year labor agreement for Philadelphia’s police officers. However, the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) has raised concerns over the deal, which was finalized through binding arbitration. The commission, established in 2021 as part of broader efforts to reform policing following the death of George Floyd and subsequent public demonstrations, believes the agreement overlooks key provisions that would enhance its role in overseeing police conduct.

Tonya McClary, executive director of CPOC, criticized the outcome, stating that the contract ignored city law and the voices of Philadelphians. Specifically, she pointed out that the agreement did not include a provision granting CPOC the authority to independently investigate allegations of police misconduct. “We came prepared, we made the case, and we spoke with one voice alongside the community,” McClary said in a statement. “Despite all of that, we were not awarded the opportunity to do so.”

The arbitration process involved a three-person panel tasked with reviewing proposals from both the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the city. One member of the panel was neutral, while the other two were selected by the union and the mayor’s administration, respectively. In a 14-page document known as an award, the panel decided to reject both the city’s proposal to expand CPOC’s powers and the FOP’s suggestion to remove the commission entirely from the disciplinary process.

The arbiters recommended that CPOC focus on building stronger relationships with both the Police Department and the FOP as it continues to fulfill its current responsibilities. However, CPOC representatives accused the city of not collaborating effectively with the commission. They argued that the city failed to champion CPOC’s investigative authority during the negotiations.

Commission leaders also criticized the process, describing it as closed-door and lacking transparency. According to officials, CPOC representatives were given only a brief time to testify independently, while other hearings were held over 11 days between March and June. This limited participation, they claimed, undermined the commission’s ability to present its case fully.

Adam Geer, the mayor’s chief public safety director, acknowledged during a news conference that the arbitration panel did not support some of the city’s requests related to CPOC. He emphasized that this should not detract from the work already being done by the commission. “That does not diminish the great work that CPOC is already doing in our police department around discipline,” Geer said. “While the panel didn’t award it this time around, we will continue to be an advocate for the work that is coming out of that office and support them.”

Mayor Parker reiterated her commitment to supporting police officers while maintaining strict standards for their conduct. “We will have zero tolerance for any misuse or abuse of authority by our law enforcement officers,” she said. “But I will be unapologetic about my support for them, especially when you look at the sacrifice that they make for the people in our city on a daily basis.”

The FOP, in a summary of the contract provided to members, highlighted that the arbitration panel rejected all proposals related to CPOC. City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., who sponsored the legislation creating CPOC after voters approved a related ballot question, stated that the commission would need to find creative ways to carry out its mission. “CPOC was created to serve the people of Philadelphia. That doesn’t stop because unelected arbitrators say ‘no,’” McClary said. “We are reviewing all options to secure the accountability system this city deserves.”