CPOC is aware that the criminal trial for former Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Nicoletti has resulted in a mistrial. Mr. Nicoletti was standing trial for charges of simple assault and reckless endangerment, stemming from his actions on June 1^st, 2020, towards two protestors on I-676 in Center City, during citywide unrest over the killing of George Floyd by former Minneapolis Police Officer Derrick Chauvin.

CPOC respects the judicial process and understands that given the circumstances, in which a panel of jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict after days of deliberations, the outcome of a hung jury mistrial was appropriate. Although the Commission is confident that the Court System worked to ensure a fair trial was held and all evidence was presented appropriately, we support the action originally taken by the Police Commissioner and the District Attorney and we support any efforts for a retrial.

Nonetheless, CPOC understands the public may have concerns about how the outcome of this trial may impact how police operate in Philadelphia, specifically how officers will be held accountable for their actions when deemed inappropriate. As police reforms continue, CPOC remains committed to providing oversight and accountability of the PPD and to ensuring transparency to citizens of Philadelphia.