Investigation Reveals Five Key Insights on the Finances of Philadelphia’s Fraternal Order of Police

For the first time in nearly two decades, leadership positions within the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 5 in Philadelphia are facing a significant challenge. An election scheduled for October 7 will determine whether the current group of longtime officials retains control or if a new slate of first-time candidates can unseat them based on allegations of financial mismanagement.

Tensions surrounding the election have escalated, driven by fervent social media exchanges and public confrontations among union members. The current candidates and past leaders have weathered criticism regarding the handling of union finances, an issue that was once considered a taboo subject within the organization. A myriad of charges has been raised, prompting a deeper investigation into the union’s financial practices.

An extensive review of available tax records, audits, and internal documents has shed light on the FOP’s financial activities. Notably, the union manages several nonprofits, including the Survivors’ Fund, established to assist families of officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. However, the lack of stringent reporting requirements for nonprofits has resulted in public unease regarding the fund’s allocation of resources. For example, in 2023, the fund distributed just ,500 to the family of Officer Edsaul Mendoza, who was involved in a controversial shooting incident. In contrast, the fund reported considerable expenditures in years without officer fatalities—a disparity that raises questions among members about financial accountability.

Independent experts have labeled the FOP’s financial structure as overly complex, which could potentially mask accountability. Some insiders have voiced concerns about the union’s purchase of a vehicle for outgoing president John McNesby, which reportedly included a substantial payment to him that bypassed member voting. Critics argue that executive compensation, including McNesby’s substantial salary increase over his tenure, underscores a lack of transparency from the current leadership.

As the election nears, candidates like Charles “Knute” Mellon, running to replace current FOP president Roosevelt Poplar, advocate for increased transparency and accountability within the union. The upcoming vote presents a critical juncture for the FOP, with members expressing variable opinions on the future direction of their union amid calls for reform.

Poplar, the current president and the first Black leader of the FOP, has defended his administration against claims of mismanagement, framing the criticisms as politically motivated and unfounded. He emphasizes the importance of his experience during a pivotal negotiation period for officer contracts in the city.

Overall, this election cycle signifies a profound moment of reckoning for Philadelphia’s police union, as it confronts requests for greater financial oversight and accountability amidst a backdrop of internal strife and public scrutiny.

For more in-depth coverage, resources detailing the union’s financial operations can be explored through investigations by Media News Source.