Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey has joined the growing opposition to a fast-tracked legislative bill that would hide the identity of police officers involved in shootings in Pennsylvania, reports CBS. House Bill 1538, supported by police unions, passed the house with bipartisan support last week. If the bill becomes law, it would keep private the identity of officers involved in shootings during any investigation of the incident. Once the investigation is complete, officers would be named if charged with a crime, as long as there is no threat against the cop.
“I'm against it,” Ramsey said. “I think it's a huge mistake.” Earlier this year, Ramsey implemented a directive in Philadelphia that allows police officer names to be released within 72 hours of a police-involved shooting. The Fraternal Order of Police claims the policy endangers the lives of officers and their families. Ramsey says the fear surrounding officer safety is overblown and that transparency is the best policy.