Using Policing & Social Justice to Strengthen Stakeholder Relationships
On July 25, 2024 NACOLE welcomed staff members of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission of Philadelphia to discuss how oversight entities can strengthen relationships with stakeholders by acknowledging a community's concerns and needs, beyond policing. The speakers addressed leveraging pre-existing connections and credible messengers in the community and creating meaningful community engagement opportunities.
Taleah-Renee Grimmage
Director of Outreach & Constituent Services
Taleah-Renee Grimmage (she/her)- is the Director of Outreach & Constituent Services for the Citizens Police Oversight Commission, where she started as a Policy Analyst in 2019. Taleah is a Philly-native who has always had a passion for social justice and community outreach and believes that one of the best ways to create change in policing is to speak truth to power and listen to the voices of the underserved and overpoliced. In addition to taking Leadership courses and training in Executive Management she obtained a B.S. in Paralegal Studies from Peirce College, and she is currently obtaining a graduate degree in Organizational Leadership. Prior to joining the CPOC family, Taleah worked as an Investigator and Senior Investigative Analyst for the City of Philadelphia Office of the Inspector General where she investigated allegations of waste, corruption and fraud within city government and as a Case Manager for the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Taleah is a wife and mother, and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., an international historically black sorority geared towards women’s empowerment and community service. Taleah believes that the best way to be a community advocate and ally is to trust that community members are the best experts on their own lived experiences.
Damon Green
Training and Outreach Manager
Damon Green (he/him) Damon is the Training & Outreach Manager at the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) in Philadelphia. He originally joined CPOC as a Police Auditor/Monitor. Prior to joining CPOC, Damon worked for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). The PHRC enforces the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's civil rights laws and promotes social justice, equity, and equal opportunity for the citizens of Pennsylvania. In addition, Damon has extensive law enforcement experience as a Probation & Parole Officer in Philadelphia, supervising high-risk young men & women between the ages of 18-25 who are likely to be victims or perpetrators of a homicide. Lastly, Damon is academically trained as a public historian with expertise in race, gender inequities, civil rights, social & political movements, and governance. He uses historical analysis and thinking to address contemporary issues in policing, police community relations, criminal justice reform, and in other various sectors. Damon received his M.A. in History from Eastern Washington University, a B.A. in Communications from Temple University, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Peirce College.
E. Julian Jordan
Community Outreach & Constituent Services
E. Julian Jordan (he/him) joined the Citizens Police Oversight Commission as a Community Outreach and Constituent Services Specialist in 2022 and is most eager to develop programs that re-engineer and strengthen the Philadelphia Police Department’s relationship with the Philadelphia community at large. Julian looks forward to forging new relationships with community organizers, activists, and leaders whose individual and collective visions will ultimately enable the Citizens Police Oversight Commission to live up to and create impact beyond its own mission. Julian studied Real Estate Management & Development and Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Drexel University and served on the Drexel University Anti-Racism Task Force following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
Giriana Hernandez
Bilingual Community Outreach & Constituent Services Specialist
Giriana Hernandez (she/her) joined the Citizens Police Oversight Commission in 2024 as a Bilingual Community Outreach and Constituent Services Specialist in the Outreach & Training Unit. Giriana has a strong background in victim advocacy and juvenile justice. She joined the CPOC team to bridge the gap between the Spanish Speaking community and Law Enforcement. Giriana holds a B.A. Degree in Criminal Justice and Minor in French from Arcadia University. Her background in Victims Advocacy gives her a unique perspective on policing and she uses her lived experiences to engage with victims and survivors, community stakeholders and members of law enforcement.