New sexual misconduct policies for Philadelphia city workers

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia city leaders announced new sexual misconduct policies on Thursday following an audit that found a "broken system."

City Comptroller Rebecca Rhynart laid out the findings of the audit at City Hall, detailing what she called a "convoluted system" for city employees to report allegations and the city's ineffective response to them.

Rhynart said the city paid out at least $2.2 million to settle sexual misconduct claims since 2012 and doled out inconsistent punishment.

"Even more alarming, our auditors found instances in five departments - aviation, fire, police, sheriff, and streets - where lower-level workers received harsher punishments than supervisors for similar conduct," said Rebecca Rhynhart.

Mayor Jim Kenney accepted the findings, and announced a series of new policies, as well as a new online complaint form to make it easier for city employees to report misconduct.

------

Send a News Tip to Action News

Learn More About 6abc Apps