Public Safety

When she took office in January 2024, one of Mayor Cherrelle Parker's first executive actions dealt with aggressively combating crime in Philadelphia. "We will declare a Public Safety Emergency and expeditiously get every available resource into neighborhoods struggling from the scourges of crime, gun violence, drugs, and addiction," she said in her inaugural address. Since then, crime rates across the U.S. have largely retreated back to pre-pandemic levels, but it remains one of Parker's key focus areas. Here's how she's trying to address it.

Initiatives

Kings Highway Apartments on Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia (Aaron Moselle/WHYY)

Kensington Revival Plan

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA downtown skyline from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (2018)

Progress Updates

1 of 2

New report examines effectiveness of Wellness Court

(Kensington Voice) Kensington Neighborhood Wellness Court is a fast-track court that targets unhoused people who use drugs by arresting them for low-level crimes and offering either diversion to drug treatment or a same-day trial. Of the 87 people who were arrested between January 22 and May 21, only eight have been documented as completing the program, according to Kensington Voice’s findings.

Mayor's public safety efforts include focus on increased police presence and substance abuse treatment

When she took office, Mayor Parker pledged to: 

  • Increase police officers on streets, with focus on community policing
  • Declare a public safety emergency to address neighborhoods hit hard by crime, gun violence and drugs--including Kensington
  • Address crimes against property and quality-of-life offenses, such as car theft, shoplifting and illegal ATVs 

In her first city budget proposal, Mayor Parker allocated funds for:

  • Hiring 400 police officers
  • Starting a citywide wellness ecosystem that supports long-term care, treatment, and housing.

Key offices and efforts

Key quotes

  • "We must rebuild trust between police and the communities they serve. Our officers must be guardians, not warriors." (inaugural address, Jan 2024)

  • “My One Philly Budget supports deploying more officers in the field — walking the beat, riding a bike, getting to know the people they are sworn to protect and serve — the core of our community policing model,” (budget proposal, Mar 2024)

Links
Link Title

Related News

2 of 2
Two people and a bike on grass, Philadelphia cityscape in background (Associated Press)
The Trace

Can a Greener Philly Reduce Crime?

In a bid to improve public safety, quality of life initiatives are bringing brighter lights and more green spaces to Philadelphia. Read more.

Billboard Item Heading

Billboard body copy short supporting text lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat.

Primary Action
Secondary Action

Explore Other Issues Areas

Philadelphia Skyline with Greenery in Foreground From Drexel Park

Clean & Green

School bus at evening on the streets of Philadelphia downtown

Education

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA downtown city skyline at dusk.

Solutions Progress Report

The Solutions Progress Report tracks updates on the key issues and initiatives of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration. 

Explore the Solutions Progress Report