Philadelphia Police are working on the street in the
neighborhoods, with low-tech foot patrols combined with real time
data for officers on the street. Police work with community groups; police on
the street get to know the corner boys and who is mentoring youth in the
neighborhoods.
"There is an encouraging trend throughout the U.S. — crime is
decreasing. That also seems to be the case in large cities, including
Philadelphia, where most major crimes are at an all-time low. Explanations
include a demographic change — there are fewer people in the 18-29 age group —
and improved policing and security strategies. In Philadelphia, law enforcement
officials have been collaborating on the implementation of several innovative
programs to reduce crime. They include increased use of foot patrols, greater
reliance on real-time data to pinpoint crime "hot spots" and an
overall approach to prevention vs. arrests. At the same time, as part of its
Gun Violence Task Force, the Philadelphia District Attorney's office has
implemented GunStat which identifies the most violent offenders in small target
areas of the City. We'll talk about these strategies and others and their
effectiveness in battling crime with First Deputy Commissioner RICHARD ROSS of the Philadelphia Police
Department, JERRY
RATCLIFFE from Temple University, BRYAN LENTZ, head
of the Office of the District Attorney's Gun Violence Task Force of the Philadelphia
District Attorney's Office and RASHEED SMITH who works with PhiladelphiaCeaseFire. –"