FOP Says Officers On The Beat Seek Guidance For Papal Visit
By Pat Ciarrocchi
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With just 46 days until the arrival of Pope Francis, a new set of concerns is being voiced.
Philadelphia's Fraternal Order of Police is being questioned by its membership about how police will be deployed during this unprecedented visit.
The FOP says Philadelphia Police on the beat want a little guidance for the days when Pope Francis visits Philadelphia.
"I think our members know and they expect that it's going to be an all hands on deck event. They just want a little more information. At this point, they're not getting it," said FOP Vice President John McGrody.
With 46 days until Pope Francis steps into Philadelphia, FOP Vice President John McGrody says he's getting two or three calls an hour from his membership.
"What's going to happen, how are they going to be compensated, if they're going to be housed," said McGrody.
To respond to his 6,300 officers, the FOP sent a letter assuring them that the inquiries to headquarters and the city have been made.
"If you expect a police officer to sleep on a cot, after standing 12 to 16 hours that's not actually good and we're not sure about sanitary facilities, showers," said McGrody.
One of the concerns is getting inside the traffic box, crossing the extensive perimeter revealed last week by Mayor Michael Nutter.
"A lot of our members are somewhat confused for lack of a better term that police vehicles aren't going to be able to get in and out from certain areas. Our members are confused because we're the police," said McGrody.
In response to CBS 3 Eyewitness News' call, the mayor's spokesman says by Monday, August 31st, specifics on police schedules and compensation should be clearer.
Mayor Nutter says the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department do a spectacular job, they're consummate professionals and more information will be forthcoming with a good three weeks available for personal planning.