Response from the Citizens Police Oversight Commission on Reinstatement of Fired Philadelphia Officer to the Police Department

The recent arbitration decision to reinstate former Officer Ryan Pownall's reinstatement has sparked frustration within our community and underscores the urgent need for reform within the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD). As the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), it is our fundamental duty to advocate for transparency, accountability, and improved relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

On June 7, 2017 Former Officer Ryan Pownall, fatally shot David Jones, who was unarmed, in the back. The Police Commissioner subsequently terminated Pownall after reviewing the internal investigation. The arbitrator's decision to overturn that discipline sends a distressing message to the public about the value placed on black lives and the lack of consequences for excessive use of force.

CPOC stands firm in our commitment to holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions. We believe in the importance of thorough and unbiased investigations into incidents of police misconduct, and we are deeply troubled by any process that appears to prioritize protecting officers over serving justice.

We call upon the PPD, the community, and people working towards police reform to stay the course. Everyone in Philadelphia has a stake in this. Let's prioritize reforms that increase transparency, strengthen accountability measures, and enhance the quality of the legal process these cases require.

We urge city officials and PPD leadership to engage with the community in meaningful dialogue and action-oriented reform efforts. Together, we can work towards a future where all residents feel safe, respected, and protected by law enforcement agencies that uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.