HARRISBURG – AG Shapiro is releasing the statement below following the House Judiciary Committee’s unanimous vote today for Representative Rabb’s amendment that would create a database for police complaints for future hiring. AG Shapiro has built a wide coalition of support for this policy, a key priority of the Police Reform Working Group, including Philadelphia Police Commissioner Outlaw, Pittsburgh Police Chief Schubert, the State Fraternal Order of Police, the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police, Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, the Pennsylvania Police Chiefs Association, and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.
“Over the past few weeks, we have seen brave, courageous people practice their constitutional right to peacefully protest — all in the name of justice.  Today, Pennsylvania took the first step in showing, we aren’t just listening but acting  when the House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously for an important reform to our police hiring system. Â
I’ve worked since the winter to bring community, labor, and law enforcement leaders to the table around this critical reform. As our coalition has said, officers who engage in misconduct or use excessive force erode trust in law enforcement and make it harder for our communities to be and feel safe. When officers leave an agency, that record needs to go with them — so departments know who they’re hiring.   This is a down payment on the kinds of reforms we need to deliver, and I’m calling on the General Assembly to pass legislation.”
# # #