Following nationwide protests against police brutality last summer, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf established the Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement Citizen Advisory Commission by executive order in June 2020.
The Commision, comprised of 21 voting members and six ex-officio members, is tasked with investigating citizen complaints against police misconduct, reviewing internal investigations and giving recommendations.
Deputy State Inspector General Sha Brown will chair the commission. He said the group will seek systematic reforms that “ensure our system of law enforcement works for all its citizens.”
Voting members represent each of the State Police’s 15 Troop geographic areas. Gov. Wolf announced the members’ appointment Wednesday and they introduced themselves during the meeting.
Tioga County Commissioner Erick Coolidge said a common goal among the Commissioners is “to make sure what we do is a decision that matters to everyone.”
“This citizen commission is an important step toward addressing the systemic failings that create inequities and to restore trust in law enforcement in all communities,” Gov. Wolf said in a statement. “It is my hope that the commission improves law enforcement relationships with communities and strengthens the accountability of law enforcement personnel.”
The Commission plans to have quarterly public meetings.
