FOP: Wait to ID police officers involved in shootings

PHILADELPHIA -- When should the names of police officers involved in shootings be released?

It's a question that will soon be posed to Pennsylvania lawmakers in Harrisburg.

The Fraternal Order of Police says that with recent attacks on law enforcement, there should be protection for police officers involved in shootings while on the job.

"All you have to do is turn on the TV and see what happened in Chicago yesterday. Or last week and what happened in Texas. We're not asking to reinvent the wheel. We're asking for fairness," said John McNesby of the FOP.

"I am introducing legislation this Friday to help fix a broken system that for too long our officers and their families in a vulnerable position," said Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia).

The bill proposes waiting to release the name of an officer until the investigation is complete or if the officer is charged.

"In today's day and age with technology and being able to Google somebody's name and find out where they live... it's absurd," McNesby said.

"I don't think they're withholding anything. I think they are delaying the release until the investigation is concluded. This rush to judgement, this lynch mob mentality has to stop," said retired police officer Rich Costello.

In December 2014, Brandon Tate-Brown was killed during a traffic stop. Police released the names of the officers involved in the shooting back in June. Both officers were cleared in the case. Tate-Brown's family is suing the city.

His family's attorney says "We believe this is a very outrageous proposal, and one that goes contrary to the United States Department of Justice's recent calls for reform and transparency in the department in regards to officer involved shootings."

In July, the Philadelphia Police Department changed its policy following Justice Department recommendations, and began released the names of officers involved in shootings within 72 hours - unless there was a threat against the office or their family.

"You can't shoot someone and expect to remain anonymous. That's what it boils down to. I have no plans on changing anything at this point in time," Commissioner Charles Ramsey said.

Rep. White says 41 legislators have signed on to co-sponsor this bill.