PITTSBURGH – After a jury in Allegheny County this evening found former police officer Michael Rosfeld not guilty for killing teenager Antwon Rose II in East Pittsburgh borough last summer, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania responded with a statement calling for reforms in policing that promote transparency and accountability. 

The following can be attributed to Reggie Shuford, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania:

“Tonight, our hearts ache for Michelle Kenney and for everyone who knew and loved Antwon. 

“The prosecution’s handling of this case, particularly the decision not to call a police expert, raises many questions. 

“We must seize this moment to promote meaningful change in police accountability mechanisms. 

“Pennsylvania allows departments to hide information about police operations, including cops who repeatedly violate the rules or the law.  Pennsylvania even allows police departments to hide policies on use of force when other states have laws making the same information public. The public is denied access to police video recordings. There can and must be more transparency around police operations.

“And we must insist on having independent prosecutors, from outside the jurisdiction and who do not have close ties to the local law enforcement community, handle officer involved shootings.”