New Policy Sparks Harsh Criticism From Police Union
By Syma Chowdhry
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Police-involved shootings have been making headlines across the country.
Philadelphia Police are taking a bold step when it comes to transparency.
Commissioner Ramsey sent a memo to his officers stating the department will begin releasing the names of any officer who fired their gun at a suspect.
The names will be released within 72 hours of the shooting -- and the new rule is effective immediately.
"Which a suspect is either fired upon, struck or missed - the names of the officers involved will be released," said Commissioner Ramsey.
The announcement comes less than a month after the department released the names of the officers involved in the shooting of Brandon Tate-Brown.
He was killed during a traffic stop back in December, but the officers were cleared of wrong doing.
Ramsey says the move is not in response to that incident, but rather a recommendation from the Presidential Task Force, which is lead by Ramsey.
The names of the officers will be released as long as their lives or their families are not considered at risk.
"We have an obligation to the public but we also have an obligation to our officers and if it is something that people are making threats, then they can expect me not to release that kind of information," said Ramsey.
"It's ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous, there is no reason for it," said Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby.
McNesby says they were not given a chance to discuss the recommendations.
"I don't like the fact that they didn't have the common courtesy to sit down and tell the FOP a damn thing about it, that's what I am pissed off about," said McNesby.
He says three days is too soon to release names, especially if the officer was justified in the shooting.
"If they've done something wrong, you are already posting their pictures and their names all over the news and newspapers anyway, so on a good shooting you are putting officer's lives in danger," said McNesby.
The FOP says they will try to overturn the recommendations.
The police union has already filed a charge to the state Labor board to force a hearing it.
