FOP backs legislation to withhold names of cops in shootings

STATE REP. Martina White painted a chilling picture of criminals hunting down cops in their homes while touting a bill she plans to introduce Friday.

White, addressing a packed hall Wednesday at the Northeast Philadelphia headquarters of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5, said her legislation would block police departments in Pennsylvania from releasing names of officers involved in shootings until after the incidents are fully investigated.

The bill is a direct rebuttal to Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey's decision in July to begin identifying officers who have shot civilians within 72 hours.

"Criminals threaten the well-being of our officers every day," said White, a Republican who - with the FOP's support - won a special election in March to fill the seat formerly held by Democrat Brendan Boyle.

"Our own public officials shouldn't be the ones handing over officers' information, which could lead criminals to them and their families, where they could take vengeful actions."

John McNesby, the FOP's president, praised White for pushing the bill. He derided Ramsey's policy as "insane and absurd," adding that people could easily track down a cop once his or her name has been made public.

Ramsey said such a scenario has never occurred since the department began identifying cops involved in shootings.

"Barring threats being made to an officer, their family or the department in general, the names ought to be released," he said.

"We're public servants. I don't think you can reasonably expect to shoot people and remain anonymous."

Ramsey said backlash typically is seen when police departments don't identify officers involved in shootings. The Philadelphia Police Department saw that recently when it refused for months to name the two cops involved in the fatal shooting of Brandon Tate-Brown during a cop stop in Northeast Philly in December. Numerous protests ensued calling for the cops to be identified.

White said 41 legislators have said they'll co-sponsor her bill. "As Americans, we know all citizens, including our police, are protected by the constitutional right to due process, not to have their fate determined by the media or a mob with a political agenda," she said.

The hall at FOP headquarters, crowded with dozens of cops and their relatives, treated White and McNesby to thunderous applause. McNesby told the audience to take note of which legislators ultimately back White's bill.

"I understand where they're coming from," Ramsey said, "but I hope the legislation does not pass."