In light of the recent events in Tulsa, Okla. and elsewhere throughout the country, Gaetan J. Alfano, Chancellor of the 12,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association today issued the following statement:
"We call on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to take swift action in enacting Senate Bill 400, which calls for the appointment of a special prosecutor in incidents of death of a civilian during encounters with police officers. A special prosecutor would have the authority to investigate and bring charges, if necessary, against a police officer based on an independent investigation. If charges are brought, a special prosecutor would have the authority to prosecute the officer on charges deemed appropriate. The independence of a special prosecutor would help to restore the public's trust in the justice system."
