Catherine Twigg, Esq. has brought a new level of zest to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) since joining as General Counsel just two years ago. In a recent Q&A session published by the City of Philadelphia, Twigg delved into her daily grind, which varies significantly given the multifaceted legal and policy issues addressed across CPOC’s divisions. Twigg's key role is essential in ensuring compliance with enabling legislation and that the CPOC's mission of promoting transparency and accountability at the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is met.
Twigg's journey into police oversight was motivated by her encounters with police misconduct cases, a career that began in 2012. Her experiences, augmented by the narratives of many who've faced negative interactions with law enforcement, fueled her drive for systemic change. Twigg told the City of Philadelphia, "Many people have had negative experiences with the police. They deserve to be heard and to have those complaints fairly and efficiently investigated."
The role of General Counsel comes with its rewards. One of the standout aspects for Twigg is public advocacy. She finds satisfaction in advancing the mission of the CPOC, standing in solidarity with residents demanding reform. "The public advocacy we’re doing! Police oversight has a long history in Philadelphia. In 2020, Philadelphians took to the streets to demand police reform and half a million people voted to create the Citizens Police Oversight Agency – the City’s first strong, independent agency to investigate police misconduct. City Council passed a law giving us significant power, and we have been fighting since then to build the agency and carry out our public mandate. I’m grateful when we get to talk about this important work and stand with the many Philadelphians who want to see this promise fulfilled," Twigg expressed during the Q&A.
If she could choose another path within the agency, Twigg leaned towards the role of an investigator—a position she previously held and relished. Despite the detectives' work sometimes being challenging, Twigg appreciates the intricate task of unearthing evidence and discovering the truth behind incidents. "I would really enjoy being one of our investigators. I really enjoyed meeting complainants and hearing their story, chasing down all the video and other evidence, and interviewing police officers and witnesses. Sometimes it can be challenging to get everything you need or to identify an officer – and I like the puzzle of working to get the whole story," Twigg shared her enthusiasm in her conversation with the City of Philadelphia.
Outside the confines of her legal duties, Twigg enjoys the simpler pleasures—walking her dog, tending to her garden, or riding her bike in the less hectic corridors of Philadelphia. Her affection for the city is palpable. She's drawn to the tenacity, loyalty, and inventiveness inherent to its residents, concluding, "We live in a beautiful city – not just the museums and the parks, but the people! I love seeing neighbors support and care for each other," a sentiment that underscores her dedicated service to the city and its people.
