Pa. House Advances Bill To Prevent Naming Police In Shooting Investigations

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) --   Months after Philadelphia's Police Commissioner adopted a new policy of announcing the names of police officers involved in shootings, the state House has sent the Senate legislation to overturn that policy.

The bill that passed the House overwhelmingly would prohibit statewide the practice of releasing the names of law enforcement officials involved in shootings or other use of force until the investigation of the incident is complete.

"Today police have a target on their backs. Delaying the release of their names until the threat is gone is not about special rights, it's about giving them the same measure of safety you would anyone else," said Philadelphia Republican Martina White, who sponsored the measure.

But Philadelphia Democrat Brian Sims said there were too many unanswered questions about what the bill would do.

"I urge my colleagues please do not confuse your righteous support for the FOP with support for a feckless piece of legislation,"  Sims said.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration, where a spokeswoman for the Majority Leader says the measure is not on a fast track.