Independent report evaluates Philadelphia police's response to George Floyd protests

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The City of Philadelphia got feedback on how it handled the response to the George Floyd protests this summer.

An independent review said there were several breakdowns because of low staffing. One includes officers' use of tear gas on protesters, along with what was described as excessive force, at times.

The report recommends the department improve relations with the African American community.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said a number of these changes are already in motion.

You can read the full report, HERE.

Mayor Jim Kenney released this statement on the review:

"The report, in my view, provides a comprehensive blueprint for long-lasting police and emergency response reform in the city. I look forward to implementation of the recommendations -- especially those related to use of force -- and I'm confident the Commissioner will work aggressively toward this. I fully accept the criticisms in the report of how our administration conducted itself this past summer. This report will enhance ongoing reforms of the Department, as well as our larger Pathways to Reform, Transformation, and Reconciliation initiative, whose aim is nothing less than the eradication of systemic racism in this city. Black and Brown residents of Philadelphia have suffered too long. With this report, the path ahead is clear, and I am committed to following it no matter how difficult -- because their pain, evidenced in stark relief this past summer, must end."