The leader of Philadelphia’s police watchdog has resigned as he faces charges for allegedly accepting a bribe to share confidential information in a criminal case.
Why it matters: The Citizens Police Oversight Commission has installed an interim chair as it looks to turn the page on another ugly chapter in a history marred by controversy, infighting and stalled progress.
Driving the news: Hassan Bennett has resigned as CPOC’s chair after initially being placed on leave, the board revealed at its latest meeting last week.
- Vice chair Malika Rahman has stepped in as interim board chair.
- Commissioners will vote to appoint her as chair at their Nov. 19 meeting.
Catch up quick: Bennett is accused of providing court documents and a witness’ name that he had access to through his job as a client advocate at the Defender Association of Philadelphia.
- Prosecutors say Bennett was captured on a recorded prison phone call agreeing to provide confidential information to a prisoner in exchange for $500.
- He has posted bail and faces several charges, including witness intimidation, per court records.
What they’re saying: CPOC officials reiterated in a statement that Bennett did not disclose any information he obtained through his role as a commissioner.
- Rahman said during the meeting that the agency’s “top priority” is restoring public trust.
“It remains our commitment to be transparent, accountable and integrous with the work that we do. … This is not an easy transition but this commission has not lost sight of the work,” Rahman said…