In an effort to bolster trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, Philadelphia's Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) has made a move to increase transparency by conducting its first audit of police misconduct complaints. Findings from this inaugural review by CPOC's Audit and Monitoring Unit were shared yesterday, shining a light on the investigation processes of the Philadelphia Police Department’s (PPD) Internal Affairs Division (IAD).
The CPOC report, which for the first time puts PPD's misconduct investigations under external scrutiny, has highlighted some commendable practices alongside areas in need of improvement. Through conducting the review, gaps within current procedures became apparent following years of skepticism from the public who often doubted the fairness when it came officers investigating their own.
Highlights from the audit, as disclosed on the official CPOC report, include "clear investigative reports" and investigators ensuring "all PPD witnesses involved in complaints" were interviewed. The findings, described as "generally logical," indicate some level of thoroughness and clarity, according to the CPOC.
However, the assessment identified several areas craving closer attention. These include instances where "cases which miss significant allegations in the investigation’s conclusion," as well as dissatisfaction with the "lengthiness of the IAD investigative process." It’s noted, though, that PPD has been making strides in speeding up their response times since these initial audits.
In a continued push for improvement, CPOC is set to perform additional audits and plans on keeping the dialogue open with PPD regarding betterment of their investigative practices.
With this nascent transparency, CPOC aims not only to hold the PPD accountable but also to mend the oft-frayed threads of trust that should unify the police force with the neighborhoods they pledge to protect. For a full rundown of the audit findings and CPOC's recommendations, the report is publicly available and serves as a testament to Philadelphia's commitment to advancing justice and restoring faith in its public institutions.
