Perry’s story may help understand some of the findings of a Whitley Law Firm study, originating in North Carolina, that analyzed police misconduct settlement figures nationwide, documenting patterns and covering numerous jurisdictions.

According to the study, Pennsylvania has paid more than $59 million total for four police misconduct settlements, from 2010 to 2014, ranking the commonwealth third-highest (an average of $14.8 million per settlement) in the nation for large payout amounts.

New York leads the nation in settlement costs, averaging $73 million per case and ultimately exceeding $1.1 billion in total settlements.

A closer look at Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, the study showed the city paid $54 million for police misconduct cases settled between 2010 and 2014.

The family of Walter Wallace Jr. received a $2.5 million settlement in 2021, a year after Wallace was fatally shot by police while experiencing a mental health crisis near his home in Cobbs Creek.

However, Wallace family attorney Shaka Johnson called the payment “cheap” in some respects, noting that the family has the right to use the funds to honor Walter’s memory. His death, which occurred months after the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, further fueled demands for police reform. Floyd’s death in May 2020 sparked nationwide protests and calls for accountability.

Similarly, Wallace’s killing deeply affected Philadelphia residents, prompting demands for changes in law enforcement policies, training and accountability measures.

The Whitley study underscores the steep costs of misconduct settlements and the systemic issues they expose. The report highlighted the need for preventative issues, such as improved policies and police training, to reduce wrongful deaths.

“Every dollar spent on a misconduct settlement is a dollar that could have been invested in community resources, safety initiatives, and police training,” the report states. “It’s critical that we work to ensure these settlements become rare, not routine.”

The cases of Wallace and Floyd stand as stark reminders of the urgent need for systemic reforms to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Michael Collins, senior director of state and local policy for social justice nonprofit Color of Change, blames the high number of misconduct payment settlements on strong police unions in this country.

“The Fraternal Order of Police, which acts to protect indefensible cop behavior, they will negotiate as part of the contract ways in which account is very watered down,” Collins told WHYY News in an interview. “They will, you know, protect officers who are tied to, like, white supremacists. They will protect officers who have previously engaged in misconduct, they will erect obstacles that do not occur for investigations into regular members of the public.”

You are roughly a one-tank trip away from spending part of the holidays at Knoebels, Hersheypark or Sesame Place, as each is open throughout the festive season.

Here’s what you need to know before you you go.

Are theme parks open in Pennsylvania on holidays?

These theme parks are open during the holiday season. Several also have end-of-year celebrations worth checking out as well.

• Crayola Experience: The Crayola Experience will be open daily through the holiday season, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
• Dutch Winter Wonderland: Dutch Winter Wonderland is open from 3 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 and 29. Dutch Winter Wonderland will be closed on Christmas Day and will be open on New Year’s Eve.
• Hersheypark: Hersheypark will close for the season on New Year’s Day at 9 p.m. Hersheypark will also be closed on Christmas Day, and will be open on New Year’s Eve.
• Kennywood: will be open on weekends from 3 to 9 p.m., and on Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. through January. Kennywood is closed on Christmas Day, and will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
• Knoebels Amusement Resort: according to its calendar, Knoebels will shut down for the season on New Year’s Eve with the last edition of the “Joy Through the Grove” drive-thru Christmas lights display. Knoebels will also be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Sesame Place Philadelphia: Sesame Place will close out its holiday season with the last run of “A Very Furry Christmas Celebration” on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Sesame Place will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
• Six Flags Great Adventure: Six Flags Great Adventure will close for the season at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Day with the last running of “Holiday in the Park” showcase. Six Flags Great Adventure will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but will be open on New Year’s Eve.

Which them parks are now closed for the season?

It stands to reason that most water-based parks would are already closed for the season.

DelGrosso’s Park & Laguna Splash, Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom and Waldameer & Water World are currently closed for the season, and will reopen in late spring/early summer.

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.