The Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) in Philadelphia is set to welcome a new head honcho next month. Tonya McClary, an attorney and a pastor with a hefty resume in criminal justice and civil rights, has been unanimously voted in as Executive Director, prepared to grab the reins come May 2024. The announcement came courtesy of an April 2nd public meeting, where the commissioners handed McClary the unanimous nod.
McClary is not stepping into the role cold. She’s been busy beforehand serving as Dallas' first police oversight lead and making her mark by being the first civilian to gain access to their cops' internal records. Known to never shy to boldly go where no one has gone before, she penned a policy in Dallas that mandated the early release of videos from officer-related shootings or in-custody deaths. Her track record also includes a stint as Chief Monitor of the use of force in The Big Easy. In a statement published by the City of Philadelphia, CPOC's spokesperson Jahlee Hatchet expressed eagerness for this new chapter. Hatchet's statement emphasized community commitment, stating, "In the weeks ahead, as Tonya is introduced to the Philadelphia community and the Commission’s commitment to police accountability and transparency, she will be supported by the Commissioners and the entire staff." The Commission also extended gratitude to the outgoing leader, Mr. Erace, who was pivotal in the CPOC's early accomplishments, including setting up an Investigative Unit dedicated to transparency and accountability.
The addition of McClary is seen as a significant stride for the organization, especially by her predecessor. "The naming of a permanent executive director is a big step forward for the commission. And Tonya McClary has the background and experience to help CPOC to reach its potential," Erace stated, expressing the collective sentiment of those looking forward to collaborating with McClary on policing issues. In line with her past work, McClary herself is ready to ensure that Philly's police are serving up justice tempered with integrity, as she said, "Empowering communities through accountability and transparency in law enforcement is not just a mission; it’s a responsibility we owe to every citizen", per the City of Philadelphia.
