The Citizens Police Oversight Commission Board to Consider Removal Resolution of Commissioner Torres Thomas

Philadelphia - On July 2, 2024, the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) Board voted to suspend Rosaura Torres Thomas during the pendency of an internal investigation where there are reasonable grounds to believe there may be cause for removal. During the suspension, CPOC has been conducting an internal investigation, which is now complete.

The investigation arose from allegations that Commissioner Torres Thomas had improperly handled confidential information outside the agency. Commissioners hold a position of public trust, involving the receipt and handling of confidential public safety information. Commissioners must maintain the confidentiality of this information in accordance with the law. This investigation is not related to an incident from 2023, which was referred to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in an abundance of caution. The OIG cleared CPOC staff from any wrongdoing, which was publicly announced in November 2023. This is not related to any whistleblower claim. Nor does the investigation have anything to do with Commissioner Thomas's ethnicity.

The CPOC Board will hold a public meeting to consider removal resolution of Commissioner Torres Thomas on September 26 at 6 p.m. At the meeting, the Board will share the results of the investigation. The public can join via Zoom.

At CPOC, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that our police force, and ourselves, are held to the highest standards, and that the voices of our community members are heard and respected. We are excited that Councilman Curtis Jones' office, along with the Mayor's office, has formed a Selection Panel, which is actively reviewing and interviewing applicants to fill the vacancies on our Board.