Philadelphia Police Advisory Commission Director Ousted

By Dan Wing

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Philadelphia Advisory Commission Chair and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety announced Monday that PAC Director Bill Johnson had been removed from his position, effective last Thursday.

PAC Chair Ronda Goldfein says the move is in line with an effort to make the PAC more efficient and meaningful for Philadelphians dealing with complaints related to Philadelphia Police.

"To really push your organization, or an entity, forward you really need to get some new ideas and some new blood and some new thoughts on how things are done."

Goldfein says the PAC appreciates the job that Johnson has done as executive director, saying he always put Philadelphians and improving community relations first. The PAC's deputy director, Kelvyn Anderson, has been tapped to serve as interim executive director while a search for new permanent executive director gets underway.

"Kelvyn has been with the commission for a long time, so he understands fully what the challenges are. He has had the opportunity to look back to see and to think about what would work, what would push the commission forward."

Goldfein adds that with new leadership, and the continued support of the Mayor, the PAC can reach its full potential.

"With his support, with some new initiative, with a change in personnel, we can really serve Philadelphians the way the Mayor envisions, and the way we envision."

Goldfein also says that a public meeting is scheduled for September to discuss the PAC's refined protocols and procedures.