Imagine if Mayor-elect Michael Nutter could appoint only two deputies and a secretary to help run the city. The remaining top- and mid-level managers would come from existing city employees who scored well on a civics exam. The managers would be in the same union as entry-level administrators and, in effect, not have to answer directly to the mayor.
Well, that's the way it works at the Philadelphia Police Department. Or
doesn't
work.
Every boss wants to surround himself with trusted lieutenants. If the police commissioner is to be held accountable, he needs to be allowed to go to war with his best people. It's Management 101.
But in Philadelphia, the commissioner basically inherits longtime union members who get promoted by passing a civil service exam. The written exam tests a cop's knowledge of polices and procedures but isn't the best indicator of the skills needed to be a good leader.
This antiquated system is the product of a 1951 reform effort designed to prevent patronage within the police department. While the reform was well-intentioned, it has long since run its course and is in need of a major overhaul.
Outgoing Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson calls the current system "a terrible flaw." Previous commissioners, including Kevin Tucker and John Timoney, had also complained that the system hamstrings the chief from running the department.
Under the current system, the commissioner can't recruit outside talent for top positions. He can move folks around but is handcuffed when it comes to promoting or demoting. Cops who don't buy into a commissioner's program can resist, knowing they likely will be around long after the boss is gone. No other big city force has such restrictive rules. In New York, the commissioner has 200 appointments and can transfer all commanders above captain.
Such sweeping change isn't likely to happen here. But a good step forward would be to allow the commissioner to appoint the 12 chief inspectors who oversee the various bureaus, such as patrols, detectives and internal affairs.
A major obstacle to any change has long been the police union. But to his credit, John McNesby, president of Lodge 5 of the Fraternal Order of Police, said the commissioner should be allowed to "pick his own team . . . however many that may be." McNesby should be applauded for showing common sense.
The time is right to change the city charter to give the commissioner more latitude. The Committee of Seventy is working with Nutter on a proposal. City Council needs to approve an amendment that would then go before voters. With a new police commissioner - former Washington chief Charles Ramsey - coming aboard, the sooner the change happens the better.