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Two commissioners at Philadelphia's police watchdog have been charging the agency for activities that weren't dictated for payment by city law, according to records obtained by Axios.

Why it matters: The payments caused strife inside the Citizens Police Oversight Commission — an agency that has repeatedly faced scrutiny for a lack of transparency in how it operates.

Driving the news: CPOC commissioners Rosaura Thomas and Hassan Bennett accounted for nearly $11,000, or roughly 60%, of the nearly $18,000 paid to nine commissioners over a year's time ending mid-June, per Axios' analysis of invoices.

None of Thomas' and Bennett's colleagues billed more than $1,750 for the same period, and two commissioners opted not to accept any compensation during that time, per the records.

Context: CPOC typically holds two meetings a month, and commissioners may receive $125 for each meeting they attend, or about $3,000 a year, per city law. They can also be compensated for holding a hearing, though this commission hasn't yet held a hearing.

The city ordinance does not mention any other type of compensation that commissioners can charge for.

Zoom in: Thomas and Bennett were the only commissioners who billed for training sessions that all commissioners attended.

Thomas also invoiced CPOC for attending non-CPOC events that were run by the NAACP and ACLU, records show.

What they're saying: Pat Christmas, chief policy officer at the nonpartisan government ethics watchdog Committee of Seventy, told Axios he was uncertain "why certain members believed they could invoice for expenses other than regular commission meetings."

"The law is clear about meeting stipends."

Benjamin Lerner, who was a Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas judge for decades and a CPOC commissioner who resigned earlier this year, tells Axios that he views the commissioner post as a largely volunteer position with limitations on what commissioners can "reasonably" charge.

Thomas and Bennett's compensation, Lerner tells Axios, is "totally off the wall, totally excessive."

The other side: Thomas and Bennett each tell Axios that many events they billed for took hours of their time and that they believe the law outlining commissioner compensation isn't clear.

"I've never taken anything," Thomas tells Axios. "I wouldn't even steal candy."

Bennett tells Axios he reinvested much of the compensation he received in community events. He defended CPOC's payments to him in an email he sent to the agency's lawyer this summer, noting that he had billed only for roughly half of the 63 meetings he attended from late April 2022 to June 2023. 

"The commission has not used the legislation to pad our pockets," he wrote.

Both commissioners referred to a March 2023 email from CPOC interim executive director Anthony Erace, which they say justifies their expenses for training sessions.

In the email, obtained by Axios, Erace writes that commissioners can possibly bill for training they received but warns them that his opinion is "not official."

Erace's signature appears on the invoices, which were then sent over to the city finance department for processing.

Erace declined Axios' request for comment.

Between the lines: Commissioners had the final say over how much they were paid, and CPOC staff was powerless to veto invoices they believed were excessive or withhold payment from commissioners.

Of note: After Axios requested the invoices under public records law, CPOC's lawyer, Catherine Twigg, had the commissioners sign affidavits swearing that they attended all the meetings that they billed the city for.

The city requested several extensions to respond to our records request.

What's next: Twigg is working on a policy clarifying what commissioners can charge, commissioners tell Axios.

Twigg didn't respond to Axios' request for comment.

The bottom line: Christmas of the Committee of Seventy says the new policy could eliminate the possibility of anybody exploiting the rules.

"Our overarching concern is that a stumble like this distracts the commission from performing its oversight function," he tells Axios.

Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called "off the wall"

The payments caused strife inside an agency that has faced scrutiny for a lack of transparency.

Illustration of a police hat with coins falling into an open hand.  

Police

Two commissioners at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia&#x27;s police watchdog" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/21/philadelphia-cpoc-executive-director-search" data-vars-content-id="1641c148-b3e3-4e4d-bcc0-96885f0293d1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called &quot;off the wall&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/21/philadelphia-cpoc-executive-director-search" target="_self">Philadelphia&#x27;s police watchdog</a> have been charging the agency for activities that weren&#x27;t dictated for payment by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city law" data-vars-click-url="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-300902" data-vars-content-id="1641c148-b3e3-4e4d-bcc0-96885f0293d1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called &quot;off the wall&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-300902" target="_blank">city law</a>, according to records obtained by Axios.Why it matters: The payments caused strife inside the Citizens Police Oversight Commission — an agency that has repeatedly faced scrutiny for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lack of transparency" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/06/02/cpoc-executive-director-search" data-vars-content-id="1641c148-b3e3-4e4d-bcc0-96885f0293d1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called &quot;off the wall&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/06/02/cpoc-executive-director-search" target="_self">lack of transparency</a> in how it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="operates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/29/cpoc-video-hack" data-vars-content-id="1641c148-b3e3-4e4d-bcc0-96885f0293d1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called &quot;off the wall&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/29/cpoc-video-hack" target="_self">operates</a>.

News

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is refiling charges against police officer Mark Dial in the fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry after a judge dismissed them on Tuesday.

Why it matters: Irizarry's death has outraged community members and the 27-year-old's family, who are demanding accountability and justice in the case that's been the subject of conflicting police accounts.

Driving the news: The DA's office filed Tuesday afternoon to reinstate charges against Dial shortly after a judge ruled that prosecutors hadn't shown enough evidence that the officer committed a crime in the Aug. 14 shooting, CBS reports. 

During Tuesday's preliminary hearing, Judge Wendy Pew agreed with the defense lawyers, who argued Dial feared for his life when he shot Irizarry as he was sitting inside his car in Kensington.

Catch up fast: Dial's charges include murder, voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. 

Prosecutors have said that Irizarry was holding a small folding knife near his thigh but wasn't a threat to officers when Dial opened fire within seconds of arriving on the scene.

But Dial's attorneys argued Tuesday that the officer believed Irizarry was armed with a gun and shot him in self-defense.

What they're saying: "This is an example that a tragedy doesn't always equal a crime," Fortunato Perri, one of Dial's attorneys, tells Axios. "The evidence presented by the prosecutor clearly supported Mr. Dial's reasonable belief that Mr. Irizarry was pointing a firearm at him during the stop."

Mayor Jim Kenney said that the internal affairs investigation of Dial is ongoing and he's confident that "process will provide accountability and transparency" for Irizarry's death.

Details: Dial's partner, officer Michael Morris, testified at the preliminary hearing that officers began following Irizarry because he was driving erratically and parked the wrong way on East Willard Street.

He said that he "screamed" that Irizarry had a knife, but that the handle of the knife could've been mistaken for a gun, per 6ABC.

Between the lines: Dial's case marks the fourth time District Attorney Larry Krasner has charged an officer in an on-duty shooting since he took office in 2018, per the Inquirer.

Reality check: It's rare for a judge to toss out charges at a preliminary hearing, but not "unheard of," says Kalfani Turè, a former Georgia police officer and criminal justice professor at Widener University.

Turè tells Axios he believes many Philadelphians will view Pew's decision as a "miscarriage of justice." "You would have to convince people with vision that what they saw on the videotape was not what they saw," he says of the body camera footage. 

"There's a lot of weariness among young folks who thought that the death of [Michael] Brown, the death of Freddie Gray, the death of Breonna Taylor … would have caused there to be sufficient reform," Turè adds. "It's easy for young folks who were at the forefront of this movement to not have the endurance, to not understand that this is a long fight."

What we're watching: A Philadelphia police spokesperson declined to comment if Dial, who was suspended from the force with the intent to dismiss in August, will be reinstated, citing the ongoing criminal case and internal affairs investigation.

Dial's next court appearance is slated for Oct. 25, per CBS.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to add details about the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office refiling charges against Dial.

Charges refiled against Philadelphia cop in Eddie Irizarry shooting

The move comes hours after a judge ruled prosecutors hadn't shown enough evidence that Dial committed a crime in the fatal shooting.

Photo illustration of a Philadelphia police cruiser with lines radiating from it.

Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The Philadelphia District Attorney&#x27;s Office is refiling charges against police officer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mark Dial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/08/philly-police-officer-surrenders-in-eddie-irizarry-killing" data-vars-content-id="2ff80b0b-34bf-4f45-b5b6-3f1628bcbdaf" data-vars-headline="Charges refiled against Philadelphia cop in Eddie Irizarry shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/08/philly-police-officer-surrenders-in-eddie-irizarry-killing" target="_self">Mark Dial</a> in the fatal shooting of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eddie Irizarry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/22/police-shooting-philadelphia-video" data-vars-content-id="2ff80b0b-34bf-4f45-b5b6-3f1628bcbdaf" data-vars-headline="Charges refiled against Philadelphia cop in Eddie Irizarry shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/22/police-shooting-philadelphia-video" target="_self">Eddie Irizarry</a> after a judge dismissed them on Tuesday.Why it matters: Irizarry&#x27;s death has outraged community members and the 27-year-old&#x27;s family, who are demanding accountability and justice in the case that&#x27;s been the subject of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conflicting police accounts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/17/philadelphia-police-shooting-kensington" data-vars-content-id="2ff80b0b-34bf-4f45-b5b6-3f1628bcbdaf" data-vars-headline="Charges refiled against Philadelphia cop in Eddie Irizarry shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/17/philadelphia-police-shooting-kensington" target="_self">conflicting police accounts</a>.

Philadelphia violence interrupters say they're beefing up security measures after volunteers were threatened during a peace walk in Kensington.

Why it matters: The patrols are organized to help de-escalate conflict in some of Philly's most dangerous neighborhoods, but the organizers say the recent targeted threat makes it harder for them to recruit volunteers.

Driving the news: Grassroots anti-violence groups Stop Killing Us and Philly Truce have asked for more police officer escorts after the incident on Sept. 17.

Catch up fast: A police escort noticed a masked man on a bicycle trailing the group of anti-violence volunteers while they patrolled Kensington more than a week ago, Jamal Johnson, founder of Stop Killing Us, tells Axios.

The masked individual rode around in circles for a while before approaching Johnson and another volunteer around 1am, near their base camp at the corner of A Street and Indiana Avenue.

He shouted that volunteers needed to immediately leave the block otherwise "they were going to pull up and clear us out," Johnson said.

Johnson told Axios that he filed a police report the next day, believing that volunteers risked becoming victims of a drive-by shooting.

The big picture: The coordinated walks, which are a part of "Operation Hug the Block," began last month as a way for activists to prevent and raise awareness of gun violence in Philadelphia. They plan to continue the patrols until the November election.

"We want to send a message to politicians. There's still a lot of carnage and crime going on out there," Johnson said.

By the numbers: While the city eclipsed 500 killings each of the last two years, homicides are down nearly 20% this year.

How it works: Organizers patrol dozens of the city's most violent blocks, many of which are afflicted by gangs and organized drug trafficking, between 10pm and 4am.

They set up a pop-up base camp in the neighborhood while volunteers patrol surrounding streets, using bullhorns to get their message out to residents. They also paper the block with fliers.

Philly Truce co-founders Mazzie Casher and Steven Pickens tell Axios they view their measures as "visible deterrence" and a "low-cost supplement" to an understaffed police department.

What they're saying: City council members denounced the recent threats in a statement and pledged to join organizers during an upcoming peace patrol.

"Our commitment to anti-violence must extend beyond words," they said.

A police department spokesperson confirmed to Axios that they're working to identify a suspect in the recent incident.

What we're watching: The volunteer groups say they want to see the city implement a program that would put groups of full-time civilian patrollers in several neighborhoods.

The dangerous work of Philadelphia's anti-violence patrols

Grassroots anti-violence groups Stop Killing Us and Philly Truce have asked for more police officer escorts after the incident on Sept. 17.

Illustration of a handgun casting the shadow of a bullhorn on a red background.

Gun violence

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/28/philadelphia-ranks-near-bottom-of-safety-poll" data-vars-content-id="625f85ef-16eb-47e4-a77f-3bca244dac5a" data-vars-headline="The dangerous work of Philadelphia&#x27;s anti-violence patrols" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/28/philadelphia-ranks-near-bottom-of-safety-poll" target="_self">Philadelphia</a> violence interrupters say they&#x27;re beefing up security measures after volunteers were threatened during a peace walk in Kensington.Why it matters: The patrols are organized to help de-escalate conflict in some of Philly&#x27;s most dangerous neighborhoods, but the organizers say the recent targeted threat makes it harder for them to recruit volunteers.

The last weekend of September is here and there's plenty to do.

🎭 Opera Philadelphia's Festival O23 runs through Sunday. Pick from a handful of live performances and screenings across different venues for this annual event that kicks off the opera's season. Ticket prices vary.

🚶‍♀️Spend Thursday night outside at the Northern Liberties Night Market from 5-10pm on 2nd Street. Count on food trucks and vendors to complement the neighborhood's eclectic businesses and restaurants.

🌮 Don't miss out on Taco Fiesta 2023 at the Bok in South Philly Thursday from 6-9p. Enjoy foods from some of the best Mexican restaurants in the region, plus live music and a fashion design performance. Tickets: $65.

🏳️‍🌈 Celebrate National Coming Out Day early at Out and About in Manayunk, featuring brunches, drag bingo, cabarets and more events running through Sunday.

But the big festival is Saturday starting at 9am, which will include a Pride party, queer run, an artisan market, and quizzo night.

🥧 Philly AIDS Thrift is celebrating its 18th anniversary with a block party, street festival and Halloween kick-off event — all wrapped into one. Expect food trucks, live music, craft vendors, and a pie-eating contest. Saturday, noon to 6pm in South Philly.

🍺 The libations will be flowing at the All Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park. Don your free pretzel necklace and make your sip selection from more than 250 vendors. Plus, expect games, giveaways and live entertainment.

Day, night and VIP tickets available: $44.95+.

📸 Calling all photophiles! The 20/20 Photo Festival will celebrate all things photography on Saturday at the Cherry Street Pier. There will be a book fair, discussion panels, and exhibits. Noon-7pm.

🛍️ The West Craft Fest on Saturday is your stop to buy local handmade jewelry, ceramics, art, clothing and more. While youse are there, grab some grub from food trucks and enjoy live music. 11am-5pm at the Woodlands in West Philly.

🍂 Celebrate autumn at the annual Midtown Village Fall Festival on Saturday. There will be live entertainment, vendors and local crafters, and kids activities. Noon-8pm.

🍽️ There's still time to check out South Street Smorgasbord, which runs through Sunday. This restaurant week of sorts features lunch, dinner and snack specials from new and old restaurants.

🧒🏿 Let the kids run and play in the straw maze outside the Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill. Plus, wander the grounds and take in the massive sculptures. 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets: Free for adults with children ages 3 and younger; $5 per child 4 and older.

Things to do in Philly this weekend

Illustration of two martini glasses forming the "W" in "weekend."

The last weekend of September is here and there&#x27;s plenty to do.🎭 Opera Philadelphia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Festival O23" data-vars-click-url="https://www.operaphila.org/festival/festival-o23/" data-vars-content-id="691366a3-9088-4f1d-9fca-ddad1ccddf77" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Philly this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.operaphila.org/festival/festival-o23/" target="_blank">Festival O23</a> runs through Sunday. Pick from a handful of live performances and screenings across different venues for this annual event that kicks off the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opera&#x27;s season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.operaphila.org/" data-vars-content-id="691366a3-9088-4f1d-9fca-ddad1ccddf77" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Philly this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.operaphila.org/" target="_blank">opera&#x27;s season</a>. Ticket prices vary.

Things to Do

First off, happy (early) birthday. We can't believe it's been five years since Philadelphians first stared into those monstrous googly eyes of mayhem that we've all come to adore.

Flashback: Like many pruny, radish-red (or in your case, neon orange) newborns, it took a minute for us to see our reflection in you.

We didn't realize what you were all about until those hated Pittsburgh Penguins dismissively responded to your debut with that slapstick shot heard 'round the Wells Fargo Center: "Lol ok."

Your gritty response to Mr. "Happy Feet" — "Sleep with one eye open tonight, bird" — embodied the fighting spirit of Philly, a city that loves blue-collar brawlers who keep punching when their eyes are blackened and swollen shut.

The big picture: The ice is cold, hard and slippery, as you found out during your home debut.

Philadelphia can be a harsh place, we know. It's the City of Brotherly Love. Sometimes brotherly love looks like Will Ferrell getting choked with a headphone cord.

Flash forward: Now you're a man inside a mascot suit and a myth, a sought-after media darling whose dodgy, darting eyes and boorish, mischievous antics have become the stuff of legend.

Your highlight reel: We loved watching you jump-slam a couple of unassuming fans dressed as sumo wrestlers, stomping New York pizza (cheesesteaks all the way, baby) and shooting fans with a T-shirt gun.

When you streaked across Lincoln Financial Field in your birthday suit, the anthropomorphic animal community (read: furries) went wild.

You weren't afraid to incur God's wrath when you played lockdown defense on a group of nuns at St. Francis De Sales School in Philadelphia, then unapologetically swatted one sister's shot and gave her one of the most disrespectful, bragging big-belly thrusts in mascot history.

You're so hospitable, too. When the Rangers' fans visit, you shower them with popcorn baths and good-old fashioned hostility. That's a Philly thing.

Not everyone likes your bully ways, but you're a survivor.

You earned your street cred when you beat that case like Meek Mill.

We've watched you grow up. You've got a girlfriend now, a new tattoo and soon a calendar.

You've lived fully and colorfully, making millions of people smile and wince. You made orange, long glossed over by interior designers and kids digging through their crayon boxes, great again!

The bottom line: Now if you could only help the listless Flyers when they open the season Oct. 12.

Remember that when you blow out your candles on Sunday. Philly's wishes are riding on you.

Happy Birthday, Gritty: Philadelphia's furry friend turns 5

Gritty is growing up before our eyes! He's got a girlfriend now, a new tattoo and soon a calendar.

Illustration of a party hat made out of bright orange fur. 

Hockey

Dear <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gritty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/17/gritty-calendar" data-vars-content-id="a4610f82-299f-4a89-bcae-a6c1df03cc21" data-vars-headline="Happy Birthday, Gritty: Philadelphia&#x27;s furry friend turns 5" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/17/gritty-calendar" target="_self">Gritty</a>,First off, happy (early) birthday. We can&#x27;t believe it&#x27;s been five years since Philadelphians first stared into those monstrous googly eyes of mayhem that we&#x27;ve all come to adore.

Isaac Avilucea

Featured stories

Things to do in Philly this weekend

Charges refiled against Philadelphia cop in Eddie Irizarry shooting

The dangerous work of Philadelphia's anti-violence patrols

Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called "off the wall"

Happy Birthday, Gritty: Philadelphia's furry friend turns 5