JANE Executive Search congratulates Tonya McClary on completing her first year as the inaugural permanent Executive Director of the City of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC). Under Tonya’s leadership, CPOC has advanced significantly—in infrastructure, transparency, community engagement, and collaborative policymaking.
Here are just a few of the highlights from year one:
- Real‑time auditing of complaints: CPOC launched enhanced auditing functions, enabling it to monitor complaints as they come in and respond promptly.
- New auditing, policy & research division: Established to analyze trends, generate targeted recommendations to the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD), and keep the community informed on disciplinary actions .
- Outreach, Training & Education: The dedicated division produced and delivered curriculum on policing topics, supported by an expanded social media presence to provide real‑time updates, solicit community feedback, and educate on citizens’ rights .
- Data division created: A brand-new Data Analytics and Accountability Insights Division was formed to fulfill legislative data reporting mandates and cast light on PPD use‑of‑force and misconduct trends.
- Monthly misconduct reporting: By reporting complaints monthly, CPOC raised public awareness and enhanced transparency on policing issues.
- Social media engagement: Proactive campaigns strengthened community engagement by providing real time updates, resources, and soliciting community feedback.
- Collaboration with PPD leadership: Regular policy reviews and constructive dialogue with police leadership promoted joint improvements and trust-building .
- Public advocacy & op‑ed: Tonya wrote an op‑ed in the Inquirer and led community education efforts on the necessity of independent investigations—empowering citizens and influencing public discourse.
- City Council testimony: In advocacy for independent oversight, Tonya testified before City Council at the FOP contract hearing.
- Policy win: CPOC’s call for independent investigations of police misconduct was officially added to the City’s proposals for the new police contract, which is a major step forward.
Read CPOC’s full annual report here.
From all of us at JANE Executive Search
We’re proud to have helped CPOC and its Commissioners conduct a rigorous national search that brought Tonya to Philadelphia. Tonya has transformed CPOC into a data‑driven, transparent, and community‑focused oversight agency. She’s built new divisions, installed real‑time auditing, and made public accountability a priority.
Her advocacy—through op‑eds and City Council testimony—demonstrates fearless leadership, successfully influencing policy and helping secure tangible progress for the citizens of Philadelphia.