Today, Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed an honorary resolution recognizing civilian oversight of policing in Philadelphia, highlighting that mutual respect and cooperation are essential for improving public safety and police-community relations and celebrating the upcoming “Civilian Police Oversight Day” on June 9 in the City of Philadelphia. The honorary resolution promotes the legacy and continued importance of independent civilian oversight of policing in Philadelphia.
The honorary resolution credits decades of advocacy and community-driven efforts to build stronger, more accountable systems of public safety in Philadelphia. It also acknowledges the historical and ongoing role of civilian oversight bodies in improving police-community relations and ensuring public trust in the city’s public safety infrastructure.
“Philadelphia has spoken time and time again: We want police oversight. I’m deeply appreciative of the entire CPOC team for carrying that banner in a new way for our times,” said Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke. “The Citizens Police Oversight Commission’s work is another step forward in building a democracy strong enough to bear true police accountability. Our history at home and around the nation make clear how critical that mission is.”
Philadelphia’s first Police Review Board was created by Mayor J. Richardson Dilworth in 1958, only to be dissolved a decade later under political pressure. Over the following decades, persistent community advocacy led to the creation of the Police Advisory Commission in 1994, and ultimately to the formation of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) in 2021, after more than 500,000 Philadelphians voted in favor of police oversight reform.
The resolution traces this history, including pivotal moments such as the police killings of George Floyd and Walter Wallace Jr., as well as the City’s own response to protestors in 2020, which led to significant settlements and demands for change.
Tonya McClary, Executive Director of CPOC, welcomed the honorary resolution:
“This honor belongs to the Philadelphians who came before us. The activists, families, organizers, and elected officials who demanded better and didn’t stop until change was within reach. Civilian oversight is not a challenge to policing; it is a commitment to transparency, community, and earned trust. That is the legacy we inherit, and the standard we intend to keep.”
The honorary resolution kicks off CPOC’s 5-year anniversary series of events. Join us for CPOC Oversight Fest, a free community celebration at Clark Park in West Philadelphia on Tuesday, June 9th from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM. The outdoor event will feature resources, live music and performances, food and kid-friendly fun.
About the Citizens Police Oversight Commission
The Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) is an independent civilian oversight agency designed to advance the just, transparent, and efficient administration of criminal justice in Philadelphia. CPOC is committed to conducting fair and timely investigations into police conduct, enhancing the quality of internal investigations, and fostering community engagement and trust.