Phila. Police Watchdog Group Set to Convene

A recently appointed Philadelphia Police Advisory Commission will hold its first meeting next week.

KYW's Steve Tawa reports that the group will act as a civilian oversight for the Philadelphia Police Department.

Mayor Nutter appointed the first members of the reconstituted commission last spring, and now has selected the remaining members from a list of nominees presented to him by City Council.

Its 15 members and four "alternates" come from a wide range of backgrounds.

Jamira Burley (top right), a student at Temple University and a member of its student government, lost a brother and two stepfathers to violence.  She feels she will bring a "youth perspective to the table."

Another member, Jim Crumlish (bottom right), is a former city lawyer now in private practice at the Elliott Greenleaf law firm.  Crumlish says he believes in "fundamental fairness for citizens and cops," whom he says "are doing a tough job."

City councilwoman Donna Reed Miller will introduce legislation that would place the commission in the city charter.  Voters would have to approve -- perhaps on the May 2011 ballot.

(Photos provided)