For immediate release: Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Contact: Genevieve Greene, 267-207-0871
Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, February 16, 2022.
Philadelphia, PA – The Office of the City Controller announced it is seeking community leaders, religious leaders, business owners and residents to join the Community Advisory and Accountability Council that will support its review of the Philadelphia Police Department. The review will focus on the Police Department’s operational and resource deployment, as well as how Philadelphia compares to other police departments across the country and best practices in policing. The review is in response to a request from City Council to analyze the more than $725 million spent on police and related functions per year.
“Right now, with homicides at an all-time high and residents across the city feeling unsafe in their neighborhoods, my office is embarking on a review of Police Department spending to determine what changes are needed to move forward. We can have justice and reform at the same time as safety. This deep dive into the police budget with recommendations for actionable change will help lead the way,” said City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart. “It is critical that we include the perspectives of residents in this process, which is why the community council is so important. I’m calling on residents, activists, and business owners across the city to please join the community council for this project, as we reimagine public safety together.”
The Community Council’s members will be determined through an application/nomination process. The application and nomination form for the Community Council is available on the Controller’s Office’s website. Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Once finalized, the Community Council will meet regularly to receive updates on the review and provide feedback throughout the process.
In addition to opening applications for the Community Council, the Controller’s Office announced that the review will be performed by Stout, an advisory firm with expertise in accounting and analysis of public finance, including experience with large government agencies. The review will be supported by the Center for Policing Equity, a leader in the assessment and analysis of policing activities and equity. Horsey, Buckner & Heffler, a minority-controlled financial firm, will also provide assistance with interviews and budget and spending data analysis. The vendors’ work will be informed by the Community Council.
The final report is expected to be released publicly by summer 2022.
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About Stout
Stout is a global investment bank and advisory firm specializing in corporate finance, valuation, financial disputes, and investigations. We serve a range of clients, from public corporations to privately held companies in numerous industries. Our clients and their advisors rely on our premier expertise, deep industry knowledge, and unparalleled responsiveness on complex matters. Learn about our Relentless Excellence®️ at stout.com.
Stout is a trade name for Stout Risius Ross, LLC, Stout Advisors SA, Stout Bluepeak Asia Ltd., Stout GmbH, MB e Associati S.r.l., Stout Park Ltd, and Stout Capital, LLC, a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and SIPC member firm. The terms “Stout” or the “firm” refer to one or more of these legally separate and independent advisory practices.
About Center for Policing Equity
As a research and action organization, Center for Policing Equity (CPE) produces analyses identifying and reducing the causes of racial disparities in law enforcement. Using evidence-based approaches to social justice, we use data to create levers for social, cultural and policy change. Center for Policing Equity also holds a 501(c)3 status.
About Horsey, Buckner & Heffler, LLP
Horsey, Buckner & Heffler, LLP (HBH) is a minority-controlled firm providing assurance, tax and advisory services. As an affiliate of Heffler, Radetich, & Saitta LLP, HBH provides its diverse client base with a broad range of value-added services through a cost-effective delivery model. Headquarted in Philadelphia, PA, our team serves closely held businesses, not for profit organizations, governmental agencies, corporate entities, high-net-worth individuals, and professional athletes.