President’s Message

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

John McNesby, President

Never has it been more demanding to be a Philadelphia Police Officer.

Everyone is focused on “ re-

form ” or “defunding ” .

But some who are doing this actually have no clue, and it is quite apparent that they do not care.

One such group is our current City Council. They are hell bent on passing legislation that actually hurts the city, not help.

One such piece is the recent passing of a bill which hampers the hiring of much needed new recruits.

A few years back we worked on a bill to bring officers on board from across the United States, Military bases, College campuses as well as Universities. Once hired you must establish a residence inside the City limits. It worked for everyone.

Not anymore, with this latest passage, you must live in the city before you are hired. This cuts the hiring pool drastically.

No one will move to this City “hoping to secure a position ” .

The next is border line insane.

The creation of a Police Oversight Board where it bans any member or former member of Law Enforcement from being able to serve on the board.

The rules are different if you are a convicted felon. This so-called Oversight Board welcomes you with open arms if you are a criminal.

Just imagine, this a person convicted of saying . . . . . selling narcotics, now could possibly sit in judgement of a Narcotics officer.

This is reform?

Just this past weekend over 1,000 of illegally driven ATV’ s and motor vehicles terrorized an area of East Division. One person was shot and killed.

Not one witness to this shooting. 1,000 people, and not one single witness!

If the tables were turned and an officer was accused of wrongdoing, I can bet you would have 1,000 witnesses!

So, step in City Council . . . . . . now they want to reward these folks who are terrorizing neighborhoods with these ATV’ s with a private area to be able to ride in safety.

This just shows how out of touch they are. These people have no interest in gathering and riding safely in a designated area. They enjoy riding up and down Broad Street terrorizing the community, that is their enjoyment.

We have very few friends on Council these days. Those that stand on the right side of the Law and support Law Enforcement, we thank you.

I would like to take a minute to thank Bob Hurst, Jim Wheeler, and Harry Marnie, for the service they have given to our members, year after year since I have been President.

All three are retiring this year, and we wish them all well in the future. They sure deserve it.

Also, as I am preparing this article, I would like to announce that Pension Representative Ron Stagliano will not be seeking another term on the Pension Board.

I would like to thank Ron for his expertise and his willingness to stay on board in the future to support and guide his recommended replacement who I whole heartedly support . . . . Roosevelt Poplar.

Roosevelt Poplar has served as my Chief of Staff for years and will fill that role under the guidance of Ron Stagliano.

This election will be taking place in the fall, and you will be hearing more on this

from me.

We are now in the middle of Contract hearings. As always do not believe the rumors. Call me directly my phone is always on 215-285-3185.

Enjoy the summer with your family. You deserve it.

Be safe.

John J. McNesby, President