During a public Citizens Police Oversight Commissioner meeting on Tuesday, April 2nd, CPOC commissioners voted to hire Tonya McClary, as the new Executive Director to lead the Commission. McClary’s candidacy was unanimously confirmed by all six Commissioners. She is expected to begin her tenure in May 2024.
McClary is an attorney and a pastor, whose distinguished career includes extensive experience in criminal justice and civil rights. In addition to working as a public defender and advocate for human rights, McClary has developed subject matter expertise in the civilian oversight field.
McClary comes to CPOC from Dallas, where she served as the first Oversight Monitor and Director of the Office of Community Police Oversight. She was instrumental in creating change at the Texas agency overseeing the eighth largest police department in the country. McClary was the first civilian to gain access to the Dallas Police Department’s Internal Affairs records and her agency also created a hotline for protestors to report police misconduct. She also co-wrote the video release policy that requires the Dallas Police Department to release video footage related to officer-involved shootings and deaths in custody 72 hours after the incident. Prior to that, McClary was the Chief Monitor over the use of force in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“We eagerly anticipate CPOC’s next chapter and extend a warm welcome to Tonya McClary as our new Executive Director,” said Jahlee Hatchet. “In the weeks ahead, as Tonya is introduced to the Philadelphia community and the Commission’s commitment to police accountability and transparency, she will be supported by the Commissioners and the entire staff. The Commissioners would also like to thank Mr. Erace who has led the organization through several ‘firsts’ and has successfully started the organizational build-out that the legislation intended, and the citizens voted for.”
McClary’s hiring signals a new era for CPOC. Through the first three years, CPOC has achieved many reforms: becoming a permanent fixture in both the charging and disciplinary hearing process of officers; increasing community visibility, engagement and partnership; and conducting policy reviews, collaborations and recommendations. Additionally, CPOC has worked to build the foundation of a new Investigative Unit committed to promoting transparency and accountability. The staff and Commissioners are grateful for Erace’s tenure and look forward to his continued support in the role of Deputy.
“The naming of a permanent executive director is a big step forward for the commission. And Tonya McClary has the background and experience to help CPOC reach its potential,” said Erace. “The Commissioners and the entire staff look forward to working with her as she leads to make Philadelphia a safer place to live.”
“Empowering communities through accountability and transparency in law enforcement is not just a mission; it’s a responsibility we owe to every citizen,” said McClary. “As the new executive director of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission, I am committed to fostering trust, promoting justice, and ensuring that our police serve and protect with integrity and respect for all.”
We offer all residents the opportunity to get to know our new Executive Director at a virtual meet and greet on Tuesday, April 16 at 6 PM. We hope you will join us on Zoom!