Oversight Commission Chair Hassan Bennett Resigns
Bennett, who is accused of witness intimidation, stepped down from the Citizens Police Oversight Commission after being placed on leave.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Corruption
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Hassan Bennett resigned as chair of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) in Philadelphia after being placed on leave, with the board disclosing his resignation at its latest meeting. Bennett, who has posted bail, faces several charges including witness intimidation, and Malika Rahman has stepped in as interim board chair.
Why it matters
The case involves allegations that a commission member misused information obtained through his job at a public defender's office, raising questions about the integrity of civilian oversight of Philadelphia police. Commissioners say Bennett did not disclose any information obtained through his commission role.
Bennett has posted bail and faces several charges, including witness intimidation, with prosecutors alleging he agreed on a recorded prison call to provide confidential information for $500. The charges remain allegations, and the case has not been resolved in court.
The players
Hassan Bennett
Former chair of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission who is accused of providing confidential information obtained through his job as a client advocate.
Malika Rahman
Interim chair of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission who is expected to be voted in as permanent chair.
Defender Association of Philadelphia
Public defender organization in Philadelphia where Bennett worked as a client advocate.
The details
Prosecutors say Bennett, a client advocate at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, allegedly provided court documents and a witness name obtained through that job to a prisoner. CPOC officials said Bennett did not disclose any information obtained through his role as a commissioner.
Timeline
Last week: The CPOC board revealed Bennett's resignation at its latest meeting.
November 19, 2026: Commissioners are scheduled to vote on appointing Malika Rahman as chair.
Legal Context
The arrest arrives as the Citizens Police Oversight Commission pushes to independently investigate police misconduct, a effort that could become a point of contention in the commission's next contract fight with the city. The police union may use the case as leverage in that dispute, according to the source's projections.
The leadership change affects who guides the commission that reviews police conduct in Philadelphia, a body residents can turn to for oversight. The November 19 vote will determine whether the commission has a permanent chair going forward.
The takeaway
Civilian oversight bodies depend on members who keep confidential information separate from outside roles, and this case shows how quickly that trust can be tested. Readers should watch the November 19 vote and any updates in the criminal case.
What happens next
Commissioners are scheduled to vote on November 19, 2026, on appointing Malika Rahman as chair of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
Further reading
For related coverage, see more Corruption reporting in Philadelphia.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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