A state representative released a memo announcing his plan to create a professional licensing board for police officers.

On Sept. 27, Rep. Jake Wheatley Jr., D-Allegheny, wrote that the professional licensing board would set the standards to obtain a license and grant licenses to police officers. The board would also hear complaints and concerns from the public regarding police officers' actions and investigate and prosecute those who are licensees, according to Wheatley's memo. Wheatley also wrote the board would be “solely vested” with the authority to investigate all use of deadly force by police in Pennsylvania.

Wheatley cited the Municipal Police Officers' Education & Training Commission as an organization that establishes certification and training standards for police officers in the state, however it does not investigate complaints of police misconduct and “certification does not carry the same responsibilities and privileges of licensure.”

— Victoria Hudgins, of the Law Weekly •