Sep 29, 2008 1:29 pm US/Eastern
Philly Police Union Calls For Parole System Review
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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The police union in Philadelphia wants a moratorium on parole after an officer was fatally shot by a man recently released from prison.
CBS
Members of Philadelphia's police union are calling for a review of the city's judicial system and the state's parole board after the recent murder of a fellow officer.
Dozens of officers joined the head of the Fraternal Order of Police John McNesby and Commissioner Charles Ramsey Monday to express their concerns over leniency to criminals in the system.
"We will not stand by silently as our legal system, specifically our judges and our parole board, allow violent, career criminals to freely roam our streets," McNesby said.
The outrage came in the wake of the slaying of 30-year-old Officer Patrick McDonald on September 23 at the hands of a suspect, Daniel Giddings, who was recently released from prison.
McNesby said the anger is directed at sentencing practices in Philadelphia as well as the nine-member parole board. Many violent criminals, such as Giddings, are given light sentences and early releases according to the police union.
"We can no longer afford to have felons running our streets causing harm to our police officers and to our residents. It has to stop," Commissioner Ramsey said.
Ramsey offered harsh words to judges and parole board members saying the decisions they make directly impact the safety of his officers.
"How many judges have been killed this year on the streets of Philadelphia? I'll give you an answer, zero. How many parole board members have been killed this year? Zero," he said.
A viewing will be held for Officer McDonald in Northeast Philadelphia Monday evening with a funeral service to be held Tuesday.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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