Lawmakers Rally Support For Police ID Legislation

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Lawmakers who support legislation that would protect police officers' identities during shooting investigations made their case at the state Capitol today.

The legislation has bi-partisan support. Senator John Sabatina, a Philadelphia Democrat and former prosecutor, says there has been a rush to judgment recently in situations about officers involved in shootings. Sabatina says those officers' actions should be scrutinized by responsible supervisors.

"But if those actions withstand this scrutiny, they should not be turned over for re-judgment to an emotional mob."

Philadelphia Republican Martina White is sponsor of legislation in the House.

"Delaying officers' names until a full investigation is complete is not about special rights. It's about using common sense and providing a level of security our officers need."

But one Philadelphia lawmaker says the legislation would further erode trust between citizens and police by fueling "cover-up" suspicions.