Philadelphia’s police watchdog, Hassan Bennett, faces charges for allegedly selling sensitive information in a domestic violence attempted murder case. Bennett, chair of the Philadelphia Citizens Police Oversight Commission, reportedly provided a prison inmate, Thomas Scott, with a witness’s name and unredacted arrest report. Scott allegedly threatened to harm the witness. Prosecutors stated Bennett read arrest report details to Scott during prison calls and gave the witness’s full name.
Scott attempted to manipulate witness testimony, offering Bennett $500 for a copy of the paperwork. The district attorney’s office indicated Scott distributed the documents to intimidate the witness. Scott reportedly searched for the witness’s location and demanded a retraction of statements.
Bennett, convicted of murder in 2008 but acquitted in 2019 after witnesses testified against coerced statements, chairs a commission formed after George Floyd’s death protests. Both Bennett and Scott face charges, including witness intimidation and bribery.
The incident triggered concern about the ethical handling of private information. National Police Association spokesperson Betsy Brantner Smith emphasized the need for oversight in access to sensitive data, warning it could be a cautionary example for other cities.
District Attorney Larry Krasner noted Bennett’s alleged actions do not reflect the overall work of the oversight commission or Defender Association. The commission announced Bennett is on leave and committed to police accountability and public trust.