Poplar elected president of city police union following a contentious campaign.

Roosevelt Poplar has officially been re-elected as president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, solidifying his leadership for an additional three-year term. His election took place on Tuesday, with a notable voter turnout of 51 percent, translating to a total of 6,255 ballots cast from the 12,190 eligible active and retired members of the lodge. Poplar secured 4,159 votes, significantly outpacing his opponent, Charles “Knute” Mellon, who garnered 2,072 votes.

Mellon, who currently serves as the executive officer of recruit training for the Philadelphia Police Department and has a background as a pilot in the department’s aviation unit, faced a challenging campaign against Poplar. In the election for the lodge’s leadership team, Poplar’s slate received 3,662 votes, while Mellon’s team managed to acquire 1,422 votes.

In a statement following his reelection, Poplar expressed his gratitude towards the members for their trust and reiterated his commitment to advocate for the interests of all active and retired members. He highlighted the historic victories achieved during his initial term, while acknowledging the considerable work that lies ahead for the union.

The campaign leading up to the election was characterized by harsh rhetoric, with social media tactics that included attacks, the creation of fake accounts, and even AI-generated images. These elements contributed to a contentious atmosphere, further compounded by reports of threats of violence that surfaced during the election.

Poplar’s journey within the police force began in 1990, and he has held various positions within Lodge 5, having risen through the ranks to become a trustee in 2000, later serving as vice president and chief of staff under former president John McNesby. McNesby’s resignation in 2023 followed allegations involving one of his aides swindling funds intended for a police widow, a scandal that prompted Poplar’s interim ascent to the presidency.

At 58 years old, Poplar and his leadership team emphasize their extensive experience and achievements, including securing substantial pay raises and benefits for their members. Conversely, Mellon, 48, has raised concerns regarding previous union expenditures, alleging mismanagement and a lack of transparency with millions in charges linked to McNesby and current leadership. Investigations into the union’s financial practices—particularly concerning the Survivors’ Fund, which supports families of officers killed or wounded in service—have revealed limited oversight and substantial questions surrounding expenditures.

As Poplar embarks on his new term, the union is poised to address these critical issues while fostering dialogue among its members and ensuring accountability within its operations. Media News Source reports.