Philadelphia police are facing a new federal civil rights investigation over how the department issues and revokes permits to carry firearms, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday, June 9.
The investigation will examine whether the Philadelphia Police Department improperly used a “good cause” standard to revoke licenses to carry firearms and whether its practices comply with constitutional protections, according to federal officials.
In a letter sent to Mayor Cherelle Parker, the Justice Department said its Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into the city’s firearm licensing system and enforcement of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act. Investigators will review the department’s policies and practices regarding the issuance and revocation of permits and whether they comply with the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.
Federal officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that no conclusions have been reached.
“We have not reached any conclusions about the subject matter of this investigation,” the department wrote in its letter to city leaders. Federal investigators said they plan to speak with city officials, police personnel, and members of the public as part of the review.
The Justice Department said the probe stems from allegations that permit holders may have had licenses revoked through a discretionary standard that critics argue is overly vague. The department cited recent Supreme Court decisions addressing firearm rights and licensing requirements in announcing the investigation.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said the review will be conducted through the Civil Rights Division’s Second Amendment Section.
The investigation does not involve allegations of armed criminal activity and is focused solely on the lawful issuance and revocation of firearm permits, according to federal officials.
The letter was also sent to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, and City Solicitor Renee Garcia.
If investigators determine there is no pattern or practice of constitutional violations, the case will be closed. If violations are found, the Justice Department said it could seek reforms through an agreement with the city or pursue litigation in federal court.
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