Lower Merion, PA- January 13, 2023 – Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti and Representative Mary Jo Daley released the following joint statement in response to the incident in Lower Merion over the weekend:
“Like everyone, we were disturbed and dismayed to see the video of the recent traffic stop involving our Lower Merion Police Department, because we know this was not the result anyone wanted. This shouldn’t have happened, and it should never happen again. People traveling in or through our community – resident or non-resident – should feel they can trust our law enforcement officers, and our law enforcement officers know how vital it is for the people to be able to trust them, so this incident is detrimental to us all. Lower Merion law enforcement needs to have the right training and resources to ensure that de-escalation is the goal whenever possible. We will work with our township and county officials to make sure the state is doing everything possible to make sure this never happens again.”
Commissioners Issue Statement – Public Can Comment On Wednesday Night
On Wednesday (January 11), the Lower Merion Commissioners issued the following statement:
The Lower Merion Board of Commissioners would like to provide the following guidance to clarify the process for public comment at Board of Commissioner’s meetings:
We recognize that the public has an interest in and questions about the use of force incident that took place on Sunday, January 8, 2023, in Lower Merion Township. We all are eager to hear the results of a thorough investigation. The Board of Commissioners is committed to proceeding expediently and transparently. In addition, the Board welcomes the comments and feedback of the public.
The next opportunity for public comment on this topic is on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 7:30 pm, when there is a Police Committee meeting and a Regular Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled. That evening, there will be an opportunity for the public to address Sunday’s incident. In addition, Superintendent McGrath also will share the results of the completed Use of Force Investigation.
However, we wanted to be clear in advance of tonight’s meeting that, following our advertised agenda, we don’t have an opportunity tonight for public comment on non-agenda or police items. As is always the case, that comment only happens at scheduled Regular Board Meetings or during Police Committee meetings, such as the meeting on January 18.
We know that some of the public may wish to comment before then and we’re listening. Please reach out to your Commissioner or email the Board at CommissionerDistributionList@lowermerion.org.