Honor, Integrity & Service the PHL Way!
Philadelphia Police Department
2017 Annual Report
James F. Kenney Richard J. Ross, Jr. Mayor Police Commissioner City of Philadelphia City of Philadelphia
City of Philad elphia 2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
Table Of Contents
Mission Statement ...... 5
Who We Are ...... 7
PLEAC Accreditation ...... 8
The PHL Way ...... 9
2017 Highlights ...... 10
Crime Prevention & Response by the Numbers ...... 14
2017 Major Events...... 16
Forensic Sciences ...... 19
Organizational Services ...... 20
Patrol Operations ...... 24
Special Operations ...... 28
Community Engagement ...... 32
Looking Ahead ...... 38
Patrol Operations...... 49
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Message from Mayor
The release of the Police Department’s 2017 Annual Report provides an excellent opportunity to commend the fine men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department. Throughout 2017, the sworn and non-sworn members of the Police Department continued to demonstrate a commitment to security and safety for our residents and visitors, a dedication to the Department’s core values of “Honor, Integrity, and Service,” and a devotion to community engagement and transparency.
As Mayor, I am committed to prioritizing safety and quality-of-life in every neighborhood and community in Philadelphia. As evidenced by the progress made in 2017, Commissioner Ross and his Executive Team share my commitment, and effectively communicate our common vision to members of all ranks and assignments within the Department. Police leadership also embraces and upholds the City’s mission to treat all persons with respect and dignity.
I am exceedingly proud of this city, its residents, and the men and women entrusted to keep all of us safe. I look forward to continued progress in 2018 and beyond.
Thank you.
James F. Kenney Mayor City of Philadelphia
PAGE | 3 2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
Message from Commissioner Ross
We are excited to release the 2017 Philadelphia Police Department Annual Report. What follows is an overview of the department and our organizational structure, a statement of our mission and core values, and a reflection on the successes we experienced and the challenges we faced during the year. Among the challenges were the rise in the homicide rate and the continuing struggle in our effort to combat gun violence. The many successes included the reduction in crime for nearly all Part One categories, and the continued strengthening of our engagement with the community we proudly serve.
In describing the many successful programs and innovations within the department, this report will highlight the outstanding work of the men and women, both sworn and non-sworn, who carry out our mission with professionalism and commitment on a daily basis.
We recognize that success would not be possible without the personal and physical sacrifices of our members. Sacrifice is an inherent part of our profession, and it is our duty to honor those who routinely offer such sacrifices. Accordingly, we are privileged to present this report in honor of the fine men and women who protect and serve this great city.
Thank you for your dedicated service.
Richard J. Ross, Jr. Police Commissioner City of Philadelphia
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Mission Statement
“The mission of the Philadelphia Police Department is to demonstrate excellence in policing by working in partnership with the community and others to fight and prevent crime, the fear of crime, and terrorism; enforce laws while safeguarding the constitutional rights of all people; provide quality service to all of our residents and visitors; and create a work environment in which we recruit, train, and develop an exceptional team of sworn and unsworn members.”
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This relatively streamlined organizational structure allows for direct accountability, improved coordination, and accessibility by internal and external stakeholders.
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Who We Are
Since January 2016, the Philadelphia Field Operations, which is primarily Police Department has served under comprised of Patrol Operations, the leadership of Police Special Operations, and Forensic Commissioner Richard J. Ross, Jr. The Science, is commanded by First department consists of 6,574 sworn Deputy Commissioner Myron and 795 civilian personnel, working Patterson. Field Operations further out of 55 different facilities. We includes Command Inspections work to provide service with Bureau and the Mayor’s Security integrity and honor to more than 1.5 Detail. million residents, and hundreds of
thousands of daily visitors. Forty-five percent of PPD’s 7,369 members are minority, and 27 percent are female.
Organizational Services, which is Patrol Operations, which is the commanded by Deputy largest and most visible operational Commissioner Christine Coulter, component of the Police consists of the Training & Department, is commanded by Educational Services, Deputy Commissioner Joseph Communications, Support Services, Sullivan. There are 3,663 sworn and Administrative Services, Strategies civilian members working in 21 and Innovations, and Intelligence numbered patrol districts. Patrol Bureaus. Organizational Services also Operations also includes the includes Police Personnel, Labor Community Relations Unit and the Relations, and the Police Board of Police Athletic League. Inquiry.
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Special Operations, which includes The Office of Professional the Investigations, Homeland Responsibility is commanded by Security, and Narcotics Bureaus, is Deputy Commissioner Robin under the command of Deputy Wimberly, and is comprised of the Commissioner Dennis Wilson. Internal Affairs Bureau, as well as External Services, which includes the Standards & Accountability inter-agency task forces, is also Division. under Deputy Commissioner Wilson’s command.
PLEAC Accreditation
The Philadelphia Police Department is the largest law enforcement agency in Pennsylvania to hold state accreditation. After extensive internal evaluation and improvements by the PPD, accreditation was granted to the department by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Coalition (PLEAC) in October 2015.
The one-hundred and thirty-five PLEAC accreditation standards reflect best practices in law enforcement, and address life, health, safety, and legal liability issues. Each standard is intended to improve the level of services provided to the community, the professionalism within the department, efficiency in departmental operations, and the safety of the members of the department.
Throughout 2017, Commissioner Ross continued to lead the department in our commitment to accreditation standards. Our most recent annual report to PLEAC (through PPD 2020) references our continued effort to maintain accreditation standards, and the resulting quality of community service and employee safety.
Accreditation ensures the department continually uses best practices in policing. It ensures departmental accountability to the community we serve, and to the line officers who do the job every day. Assessors will return in September 2018 for our first re-accreditation assessment.
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The PHL Way
HONOR | INTEGRITY | SERVICE
Partnership | Humanity | Leadership
The Philadelphia Police Department provides service to our residents and visitors “The PHL Way.”
The PHL Way is a philosophy built on the key principles of Partnership, Humanity and Leadership. This concept supports the department’s values and public safety mission. The men and women of this department strive each day to fulfill their duties with dignity and respect for others, with the sanctity for life held in the highest regard. The PHL Way provides a foundation for the vision of a safer Philadelphia and a strategic pathway to get there. The PHL Way builds upon PPD’s strategic plan for providing quality service to Philadelphia’s residents and visitors. This strategic plan relies on partnerships that are deep-seated in respect and guided by the department’s leadership and the interest of community stakeholders.
The Philadelphia Police Department’s mission is to be a model of excellence in policing, by working strategically, in partnership with communities and all public safety stakeholders, to accomplish the foundational tenets of our mission:
• Fight and prevent crime and the fear of crime and terrorism • Enforce laws while safeguarding humanity and the constitutional rights of all people • Provide quality, respectful service to all Philadelphia residents and visitors
Through the leadership of this department, we create a work environment, in which we recruit, train and develop an exceptional team of sworn and non-sworn members.
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2017 Highlights from Commissioner Ross
Throughout 2017, several innovative and multi-tiered strategies were implemented. These initiatives have served to further our public safety goals, as well as to strengthen our level of community engagement and transparency.
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Intelligence Bureau Human Trafficking Task Force
In March 2017, the Police Department instituted the Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal Intelligence Bureau, which is now the repository and enterprise in the world today, and occurs when a person is distribution point for information gathering, vetting, and recruited, harbored, obtained or exported through force, analysis. The Intelligence Bureau, which includes the Real fraud or coercion for the purposes of sexual exploitation, Time Crime Center, is also essential in equipping officers forced labor, involuntary servitude, debt bondage and and investigators in the field with “real time” conditions, other methods of slavery. as field personnel respond to, and investigate, reports of crime. For example, in various areas of the city, the Police In January 2017, the Human Trafficking Task Force (HTTF) Department now utilizes “Gunshot Detection” computer- was created to disrupt and defeat criminal enterprises aided audio technology to assist in locating the point of which engage in the trafficking of persons. The HTTF is a origin for gunshots that have been fired. This information multi-agency anti-trafficking coalition, designed to bring is often relayed to field officers prior to receiving the first together the expertise, training, experience, and law 911 call. enforcement authorities of the partnered agencies to help identify human traffickers, and prosecute them, while also protecting and aiding survivors. The HTTF is comprised of 2017 Human Trafficking the following agencies:
Statistics • HSI Philadelphia The following tables illustrate several HTTF • FBI Philadelphia accomplishments: • Philadelphia District Attorney's Office • Philadelphia Police Department Investigations • United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District Total number of Human Trafficking 106 Pennsylvania Investigations • The Salvation Army Sex Trafficking 102
Labor Trafficking 4
Arrests In 2017 there were
Total number of people arrested for Human 18 Trafficking (Sex) 106 investigations into
Total number of people arrested for Non- 12 Human Trafficking human Trafficking offenses (Rape, Stat Rape, Narcs, CMOM, Threats and Indecent assault) Recovered Juveniles 25
2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
Officer Involved Shooting 2017 Officer Involved Investigations Unit Shooting Statistics -
In 2017, in accordance with recommendations made by Philadelphia Police Officers the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services / U.S. (*From OISI 2017 Annual Report) Department of Justice (COPS/DOJ), the Philadelphia Police Department implemented new policies and procedures 2017 OIS STATISTICS - PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICERS relating to use-of-force by police personnel, and the (*From OISI 2017 Annual Report) investigative process attached to each incident. The Total number of Police Firearm Discharge Officer-Involved Shooting Investigations (OISI) Unit was 33 established to conduct the criminal investigation of all Incidents police firearm discharge incidents, which entails Incidents Involving Discharge at Individuals 13 overseeing the processing of the scene, identifying and interviewing witnesses, collecting all items of evidentiary value, and submission of evidence to the respective *OIS incidents are defined as those occasions when a police laboratories for examination and analysis. officer discharges a firearm on or off-duty; intentionally or unintentionally. Animal incidents are included (excluding The responsibilities of the new OISI Unit, staffed with deer dispatch). investigators trained in the dynamics of an OIS incident, were expanded to include the investigation of police The reduction in Officer-Involved Shooting incidents can firearm discharge incidents by any outside agency law be attributed to several factors, including the following: enforcement personnel within the city and county of Philadelphia. • Enhancement of recruit and in-service trainings: o Firearms Training Officer-involved shooting investigations are now ▪ Conducted during Recruit Training, bifurcated, in that the Internal Affairs Division (IAD) Mandatory Annual In-Service Training and remains tasked with conducting the administrative Post-Discharge Trainings investigation of the OIS incident. This involves interviewing o Reality Based Training the discharging officer seventy-two hours after the o Critical Incident Training (a prerequisite for incident, and ensuring that all personnel involved in the Electronic Control Weapon issuance) incident comply with departmental policy. • Use of daily Police Radio “Quips” • Increase in issuance of Electronic Control Weapons The PPD has experienced a steady reduction in officer- involved shooting incidents over the past several years. From 1989-2013, the PPD investigated an average of ninety-two (92) OIS incidents per year. Since 2014, when forty-eight (48) OIS incidents occurred, firearm discharge incidents by Philadelphia Police personnel have steadily declined. In 2017, the PPD experienced the lowest number of officer-involved shooting incidents (33) in the history of the department during record-keeping years.
The Philadelphia Police Department has
experienced a steady reduction of officer involved-shooting incidents over the past several years.
PAGE | 12 2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
Recruit Bicycle Training Millennial Advisory
Committee
Bicycle patrol has been a staple of policing in Philadelphia for decades. Traditionally, officers receive bicycle training and certification only after graduating from the Police Academy. In 2017, the department began training a On a quarterly basis, Commissioner Ross convenes contingent of recruits during the course of their basic meetings with a group of millennial-age community training. As of report date, 130 officers received bicycle members. Attendees offer unique insight and perspective training and certification prior to graduating the Police on a variety of concerns, including crime, quality-of-life Academy. They are now assigned to various patrol issues, and police-community relations. Input from this districts, where their service continues to be invaluable. stakeholder group has aided us in our effort to provide quality service to all facets of the community.
Field Operations
As depicted in the chart to the left, Field Operations primarily consists of Patrol Operations, Special Operations, and the Office of Forensic Sciences. Field Operations is chiefly responsible for developing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with, our crime prevention and response strategies.
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Crime Prevention & Response
by-the-numbers
The year 2017 certainly presented challenges as we continued our efforts to combat crime and improve quality of life for all Philadelphians. However, many of the strategies and innovations that were implemented or augmented during the year, generated success in reducing incidences of crime in nearly all Part One crime categories. For example, as illustrated in the accompanying tables and graphics, overall Part One crimes declined by 2.1% (as compared to 2016), with reductions in both violent (1.7%) and property (2.1%) crimes. In addition, although combating gun violence remains among the most difficult challenges we face, in 2017, the number of shooting victims declined by 4.4%.
Part One Crime Statistics 5 Year Overview
% % change % change % change Crime change 2015 vs. 2016 vs. 2017 vs. 2013 2014 2014 vs. 2015 2016 2017 Category 2014 2015 2016 2013 Murder 247 248 0.4% 280 12.9% 273 -2.5% 316 15.8% Rape 1,279 1,207 -5.6% 1,322 9.5% 1,259 -4.8% 1,182 -6.1% Robbery 7,562 6,970 -7.8% 6,765 -2.9% 6,199 -8.4% 6,026 -2.8% With Firearm 3,110 3,047 -2.0% 2,904 -4.7% 2,687 -7.5% 2,457 -8.6% Without Firearm 4,452 3,923 -11.9% 3,861 -1.6% 3,512 -9.0% 3,569 1.6% Aggravated Assault 7,986 7,500 -6.1% 7,766 3.5% 7,654 -1.4% 7,596 -0.8% Violent Crime Totals 17,074 15,925 -6.7% 16,133 1.3% 15,385 -4.6% 15,120 -1.7%
Burglary 10,408 9,694 -6.9% 8,083 -16.6% 6,985 -13.6% 6,590 -5.7% Commercial 1,728 1,871 8.3% 1,467 -21.6% 1,382 -5.8% 1,405 1.7% Residential 8,680 7,823 -9.9% 6,616 -15.4% 5,603 -15.3% 5,185 -7.5% Theft 37,253 37,394 0.4% 36,228 -3.1% 36,856 1.7% 36,195 -1.8% Vehicle Theft 5,791 5,728 -1.1% 5,065 -11.6% 5,493 8.5% 5,483 -0.2% Property Crime 53,452 52,816 -1.2% 49,376 -6.5% 49,334 -0.1% 48,283 -2.1% Totals
Part One Totals 70,526 68,741 -2.5% 65,509 -4.7% 64,719 -1.2% 63,388 -2.1%
Shooting Victims 1,128 1,047 -7.2% 1,235 18.0% 1,279 3.6% 1,223 -4.4%
2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
Part One Crimes - 5 Year Snapshot
Part One Totals Violent Crime 72000
70000
68000 2017 66000 Violent Crime Totals 64000 2016 Aggravated Assault 62000 Without Firearm 60000 2015 With Firearm 58000 Robbery 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Rape 2014 Shooting Victims Murder
1400 2013
1200 0 5000 10000 15000 20000 1000 800 Property Crime 600
400 2017
200
0 Property Crime Totals 2016 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Vehicle Theft Although, in 2017, we experienced numerous successes with regard to crime reduction, we also experienced a peculiar Theft 2015 anomaly. While the number of shooting victims decreased by 4.4%, the homicide rate increased by 15.8%. To address the Residential rising homicide rate, the Department undertook several measures during the year, including, increasing staffing levels for Commercial the Homicide Unit, and increasing the degree of specialized 2014 training homicide investigators receive. This training includes: Burglary
• MAGLOCLEN Regional Homicide Investigator's Course • International Association of Homicide Investigator's Annual 2013 Symposium • Advanced Interviews & Interrogations Techniques • Forensic Scientist Training 0 20000 40000 60000 • Advanced Crime Scene Processing • Level-Two Video Recovery Techniques PAGE | 15 2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
• Cell Phone Analysis
2017 Major Events
Throughout 2017, Field Operations was an integral component in successfully managing several large-scale events, including:
The NFL Draft April 27, 2017 – April 29, 2017
Each day of the event, approximately 250,000 football fans and their families enjoyed the NFL Draft.
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Major Cities Chiefs Police Association Fall Meeting Oct 19, 2017 – Oct 21, 2017
In advance of the IACP Annual Convention, the City of Philadelphia hosted the Major Cities Chiefs Police Association Fall Meeting.
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Convention Oct 21, 2017 – Oct 24, 2017
The IACP Convention brought approximately 16,000 registered participants, along with countless exhibitors and non-conference attendees.
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Independence Day Welcome America Celebration July 4, 2017 An estimated 300,000 celebrants attended the Welcome America events, events including the block party, parade, and “Party on the Parkway.”
Est. 300,000 celebrants attended
Made In America Outdoor Music Festival Sep 2, 2017 – Sep 3, 2017 Over 111,700 ticket holders experienced the Made in America music festival over the course of two days.
over 111,700 ticket holders
PAGE | 18 2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department Forensic Science
In addition to Patrol and Special Operations, Field Operations includes Forensic Sciences. In 2017, several Forensic Sciences initiatives were created or enhanced, including:
Philly Fast Brass National Integrated Ballistic
Philly Fast Brass is a comprehensive program that Identification Network collects, analyzes, and investigates all evidence from gun-related crimes, in a manner that avails timely and The Philadelphia National Integrated Ballistic actionable intelligence for investigators. The Identification Network (NIBIN) program is an Philadelphia Police Department, in collaboration with interagency collaboration focused on the timely the Philadelphia Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol collection, management and analysis of ballistic Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATFE), shares evidence, to identify shooters, disrupt criminal resources collaboratively to support the success of this activity and prevent further violence. The primary program. This comprehensive approach includes a purpose of the NIBIN Program is to assist in robust evidence collection policy, efficient forensic identifying armed violent offenders for science, effective use of ATFE’s forensic and digital investigation and prosecution. Additional tracking systems (NIBIN and eTrace), establishment of outcomes include the identification of firearms a crime gun intelligence center to develop leads, and sources, effective resource allocations, providing full involvement of assigned investigative staff. accurate crime data relating to firearms violence, Through the dedication of officers, analysts, special increasing case closure rates, promoting public agents, forensic scientists, and detectives, the Philly safety, and prevention of violent crime. Fast Brass program has become a powerful tool in investigating and preventing gun-related crime.
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Organizational Services
While Field Operations involves all of the operational components of the Department, Organizational Services consists of the vast array of support elements operating within the Department. The following module summarizes many of these entities, along with several 2017 highlights.
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The number of officers trained since the program’s Training inception is listed below:
Year Number of Officers Trained 2016 1,738 2017 2,414 Total 4,152
Naloxone Training & Deployment
The Training Bureau is one of several bureaus which operate under the purview of Organizational Services. In addition to the perpetual administration of recruit and in-service training, the Training Bureau facilitated two specialized trainings, which have greatly enhanced officer safety, as well as our service as first responders: The Training Bureau has also been indispensable in our overall response to the current opioid addiction and Reality Based Training overdose epidemic. As depicted in the chart below, since 2015, officers have been trained in the deployment of In 2016, the PPD implemented Reality-Based Training (RBT), Naloxone. As of year-end 2017, 2584 officers have whereby patrol personnel participate in various “street” received Naloxone deployment training; and in 2017, scenarios encountered by officers on a daily basis. The there were 368 Naloxone deployments by PPD officers. scenarios, gleaned from actual deadly-force incidents, are designed to evoke the same stressors that an officer would likely encounter, and present the participants with force- TRAINED PERSONNEL NALOXONE DEPLOYMENTS related options in each scenario. In addition to serving as a “stress-inoculation,” the training is designed to enhance DIVISION TOTAL YTD 2017 2015/2016 TOTAL officer safety, increase situational awareness, and encourage better decision-making. EPD 532 298 160 458 NEPD 504 21 29 50 NWPD 259 11 0 11
CPD 243 6 0 6 SWPD 382 14 0 14 SPD 226 13 0 13 OTHER 438 5 0 5 TOTAL 2584 368 189 557
EPD – East Police Division CPD - Central Police Division NEPD - Northeast Police Division SWPD - Southwest Police Division SPD – South Police Division NWPD - Northwest Police Division
2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
Technology SMART Policing
In both direct and indirect manners, the use of technology The SMART Policing (Strategic Mapping & Analysis, has been essential in anticipating, responding to, and Resource deployment and Tactics) initiative involves investigating crime and criminal activity. Throughout 2017, the use of evidence based, data driven, collaborative the Police Department employed a myriad of technology- minded strategies to combat crime and increase based strategies, including the following: safety. SMART Policing includes innovative approaches to professional development for department members, and is fueled by expanding community and Intelligence Bureau business partnerships.
SafeCam: The SafeCam program is one of PPD’s contemporary crime prevention and investigative tools. The program demonstrates the effectiveness of the partnerships between the Department and the As described earlier, in March 2017, the Police Department community. Participation in the program not only instituted the Intelligence Bureau, which is now the helps deter crime, but assists the Department in our repository and distribution point for information gathering, overarching crime prevention and response strategy. vetting, and analysis. Among other entities, the Intelligence Bureau includes the Real Time Crime Center, the Delaware The SafeCam program encourages private citizens and Valley Intelligence Center, along with the Research & businesses to register their existing video surveillance Analysis and Criminal Intelligence Units. systems with the Police Department. While no live monitoring is used, the SafeCam program is an Below is a description of several of the components of the invaluable asset to investigative personnel, in that it Intelligence Bureau: alerts investigators to the locations of privately-owned surveillance cameras, which may have captured Delaware Valley Intelligence Center criminal activity, crimes in-progress, or post- commission flight. (DVIC)
The DVIC is a Fusion Center linking local, state & federal resources through information and intelligence sharing, and designed to strengthen public safety against threats, crimes and hazards. The DVIC is also an information analysis and dissemination center, wherein the PPD Real Time Crime SafeCam partners with the Center (RTCC) is able to monitor activity in real time. The RTCC also monitors a gunshot detection system, and triggers community and Philadelphia the dispatch of officers to investigate suspected gunshots seconds after they are detected. Additionally, the DVIC Police Department to operates with a clear commitment to the respect and deter crime. protection of citizen privacy rights, civil rights and civil liberties.
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Body-Worn Camera Program Recruitment and Background Investigations
In 2017, PPD continued to increase our staffing levels. For context, consider that in January 2016, the department was short of our optimal staffing level by In December 2014, the body-worn camera program was approximately 380 sworn members. As a result of piloted in the 22nd District, with 41 volunteers equipped with innovative strategies employed by the Recruitment the cameras. By July 2016, full deployment of body-worn Unit, as well as an administrative realignment of the cameras was established in the 22nd District. Additionally, 35 Recruitment and Background Investigations Units, as Civil Affairs Officers were outfitted with cameras. By year-end of January 2018, we are short by only approximately 2017, all 22nd District and Civil Affairs officers were equipped 60 sworn members. with body-worn cameras. Throughout the planning, piloting, and implementation process, PPD received invaluable assistance from Dr. Elizabeth Groff and her team at Temple University’s Department of Criminal Justice.
During the course of 2018, the body-worn camera program th th will be expanded to the 24 and 25 Districts.
Moreover, by September 2018, an anticipated 340 recruits will have graduated the Police Academy, and will be serving the public in various areas of the city.
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Patrol Operations
Patrol Operations Deputy Commissioner Joseph Sullivan Neighborhood Office of School Community Police Athletic Services Safety Relations League
School Crossing Youth Victim Guards Programs Services
Police Explorer Program
Juvenile Diversion
Regional Regional Operations Operations Command North Command South
South Division Southwest Division Central Division
1st District 12th District 6th District
3rd District 16th District 9th District
17th District 18th District 22nd District
19th District Center City District
East Division Northwest Division Northeast Division
24th District 5th District 2nd District
25th District 14th District 7th District
26th District 35th District 8th District
39th District 15th District
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Organizational Structure PSA Program
Patrol Operations serves as the “front line” of policing. Officers, supervisors, and commanders assigned to Patrol Operations are charged with carrying out one of the foundational duties of the Police Department, which is providing timely, professional, and skillful response to calls and other requests for police service.
As depicted in the accompanying chart, PPD Patrol Operations is predominantly composed of two Regional Operations Commands (ROC-North and ROC-South). These “ROCs” are divided into divisions (6), which are further divided into patrol districts (21). Regional Operations As described earlier, the Department is geographically Commands are led by Chief Inspectors, divisions are divided into 21 police districts, each commanded by a commanded by Inspectors, and districts are commanded by Captain. In recent years, within each district, the Captains. Department created two to four smaller geographical
subdivisions called Police Services Areas (PSA), for a total of 65 throughout the city. Each PSA is commanded by a Lieutenant, and has a complement of Sergeants and Officers assigned. The PSA team is responsible for patrolling the PSA, day in and day out, bringing greater community contact, familiarity and engagement.. This team concept invokes shared responsibility in addressing crime and disorder within the PSA.
The Philadelphia Police Department’s neighborhood-based policing model requires that District Captains and PSA Lieutenants understand the specific crime problems in their assigned areas, and develop the appropriate actions to address them, in partnership with the community. To that end, PSA Lieutenants convene monthly meetings with community members in their PSA. These meetings, which take place at various facilities within the PSA (e.g., churches, recreation centers, etc.), are friendly, informal, and highly informative. They also serve to strengthen relationships between the police and community. PSA meeting schedules and locations are listed on the Police Department website (www.phillypolice.com).
Patrol Strategies
In providing service to the community, Patrol Operations employs a variety of strategies. Though not exhaustive, the PSA meeting schedules & following is a listing and description of strategies and innovations utilized daily: locations are listed on the Police Department website Hot-Spot Patrol
Phillypolice.com “Hot-Spot” patrol involves a comprehensive, multi-pronged attack on violent crime, particularly gun violence, which targets four districts (22nd, 24th, 25th, & 39th Districts), along with the attendant violence-plagued corners and prolific
2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department offenders. The strategy promotes community engagement, responding to violent crime. Bicycle patrol is particularly information gathering and analysis, a shooting response impactful, in that it maintains the level of officer presence protocol, tactical deployment, warrant service, partnerships and accessibility afforded by foot patrol, while providing with federal agencies, social media monitoring, and enhanced navigability and span of coverage. identification of nuisance establishments. This is accomplished through the collaboration of internal resources, including District Patrol, along with the Narcotics, Youth Violence Reduction Program K-9, Counter Terrorism, SWAT, Civil Affairs, Highway Patrol, Mounted, and Traffic Units. The Youth Violence Reduction Program (YVRP) is a collaborative effort involving the Police Department, Juvenile Probation, and other partners, created to reduce Foot Patrol violent crime committed by juveniles, by monitoring and enforcing terms of probation. The YVRP also initiates warrant service for juveniles who fail to comply with terms of probation or fail to appear at court hearings.
School Diversion Program
The School Diversion Program (SDP) has helped create a paradigm shift in the “zero tolerance” policy that often The majority of officers graduating from the Police Academy served as an entry point to a are immediately assigned to foot patrol in crime-dense “school to prison pipeline.” areas within the city. The officers’ presence serves more School Diversion has created than one purpose. Officers on foot help deter criminal a pathway to identify and activity while providing a level of accessibility and positive treat underlying problems that cause young people to community engagement that is difficult to achieve when commit acts of delinquency in school. As part of the patrolling by vehicle. Ultimately foot patrol officers help program, Department of Human Services (DHS) social residents feel more comfortable approaching officers and workers routinely visit students’ families to discuss providing information regarding criminal activity and supportive options. DHS is part of a multi-system quality-of-life matters. collaborative partnership that includes representatives from Behavioral Health, the District Attorney, Public Defenders, Bicycle Patrol Family Court, the School District and other stakeholders that work with the child and the child’s family. The partners work to create pathways to success, rather than expulsion and incarceration. With the introduction of the SDP, we have witnessed a consistent reduction in student arrests, and an increase in services provided to them.
Patrol Operations serves as
the “front-line” of policing. Philadelphia’s success with bicycle deployment in recent years demonstrates the value of this method of patrolling. Officers assigned to bicycle patrol perform the dual function of providing neighborhood-based community policing, while also contributing to tactical strategies for preventing and PAGE | 26 2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
Patrol Operations and Drug Abuse Resistance Education
Community Engagement The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program is a ten-week curriculum taught to 5th and 6th graders. The Community engagement initiatives will be discussed in greater program also provides educational sessions to parents and detail later in this report. However, two essential community- school faculty. oriented entities are assigned to Patrol Operations: Gang Resistance Education and Training Police Athletic League Program
The Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (GREAT) is a thirteen-week program administered to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. GREAT provides life skills, which discourage delinquent behavior and violence, while encouraging conflict-resolution and problem-solving alternatives. GREAT was expanded into the Police Districts in 2015. This has allowed a broader outreach effort. Police The Philadelphia Police Athletic League (PAL) epitomizes Officers are trained for eight days, and are provided a community policing. PAL programs help reduce crime in our lesson plan for additional guidance. Community Relations neighborhoods, promote positive character development, Unit Officers teach this course during summer months at and improve educational outcomes for Philadelphia’s recreational camps. children. Each of our centers provides a safe place and a positive environment for “kids to be kids,” while also Community Health Enrichment introducing young people to a multitude of free activities Empowerment Resource Services and experiences to which they might not otherwise have access. While learning how to play chess or table tennis, preparing for an exam, or competing in academic or athletic competitions, the relationships forged between Philadelphia children and the Philadelphia Police are not only special, but are essential to the future success of our city.
Philly PAL currently has 21 centers in operation, three of which were added in 2017. Certain targeted centers have extended hours during summer months on Fridays and open on Saturdays. The number of young people who are steered toward peaceful approaches to conflict, rather than violent solutions, because of lifelong mentoring The Community Health Enrichment Empowerment Resource relationships that are created and nurtured in PAL, is Services (CHEERS) program uses information, games, virtually immeasurable. testimonials and role-playing to give 8 to 17-year-olds a variety of tools needed to make well-informed, potentially life-saving decisions, when faced with situations that could Community Relations Unit negatively impact their lives. CHEERS is held simultaneously at eight locations during four Saturdays each Spring. The Community Relations Unit is the Department’s centralized entity tasked with organizing, promoting, and Heroin Education and Dangerous facilitating various community and youth-oriented programs, including: Substance Understanding Program
The “HEADS-UP” program addresses substance abuse issues from a preventive standpoint. HEADS-UP utilizes PPD, the family members of addicted persons, and volunteers from the recovery community.
PAGE | 27 2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
Special Operations As indicated in the below graphic, Special Operations is primarily comprised of the Investigations, Narcotics, and Homeland Security Bureaus, along with the External Services Unit. The following is an overview of these four entities, and several 2017 accomplishments.
Special Operations External Services Deputy Commissioner Dennis Wilson
Investigations Homeland Security Joint Terrorism ICO Narcotics Bureau Bureau Bureau Task Force
Domestic Investigation Operational Narcotics Division Preparedness & Division Response Division Support Division
Narcotics Field Major Crimes Civil Affairs Airport Units Auto Squad Traffic Narcotics Strike Counter-Terrorism Force Gun Permits Operations Tow Squad
Citywide Vice Intensive Drug Special Weapons Highway Patrol Investigations and Tactics Homicide H.I.D.T.A. Task Explosive Force Ordinance Special Victims Disposal Unit Forfeiture Specialized Central Detectives Operations
East Detectives Aviation
Northwest Marine Unit Detectives Canine Northeast Detectives Mounted Patrol South Detectives
Southwest Detectives
Accident Investigation
PAGE | 28 2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
Investigations Bureau Narcotics Bureau The Investigations Bureau includes the six geographic detective divisions, along with the Homicide, Special Victims, and Major The Narcotics Bureau Crimes Units, and the Accident Investigation Division. predominantly consists of the Narcotics Field In 2017, the efforts of the Investigations Bureau were met with Unit and the Narcotics general success. For example, for the six geographic detective Strike Force. The bureau divisions, the average caseload per detective increased by 7.8% is essential to our effort (as compared to 2016). However, all six divisions experienced to combat narcotics increases in the clearance rate for burglaries; and five of the six trafficking, as well as the divisions experienced increases in the clearance rate for attendant violent crime. aggravated assaults. In addition to discharging its daily duties, during 2017, Homeland the Narcotics Bureau (in conjunction with various other internal and external entities) executed a series Security of multi-day anti-violence initiatives. These initiatives included investigations, bench and arrest warrant Bureau service, debriefings, and saturation patrol. The results of the initiatives are listed below:
Among other entities, the Homeland Security Bureau (HSB) includes Civil Affairs, Counter- Terrorism, SWAT, and K- 9 Units. Number of Initiatives 7
In 2017, HSB managed 1656 protests, marches, and other demonstrations, with few significant incidents and minimal Arrests arrests. 1,279
Firearm Confiscations
68
Street Value of
Confiscated Narcotics $1,894,951
USC Confiscated
$298,401 In addition, in 2017, HSB, through the Highway Patrol Unit, conducted 96 motorcycle details, including funeral escorts, the Mummer’s, St. Patrick’s, and Thanksgiving parades, the Welcome America Celebration, and a host of patrol district “Community Day” events. PAGE | 29 2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
External Services - PPD/Federal Citizen Encounter Reform
Agency Task Forces In addition to investigating complaints and allegations of misconduct, throughout 2017, OPR was We are privileged to operate collaboratively with a variety of instrumental in furthering the Department’s mission law enforcement partners. In fact, complements of of ensuring that all pedestrian investigations are Philadelphia Police Officers are detailed to various federal law conducted in a lawful, professional, and enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATFE, and US constitutionally sound manner. Marshal Service. These partnerships are invaluable to our effort to combat crime, as many investigations result in cases In accomplishing this task, the Department employed which are ultimately adopted and prosecuted federally. a variety of methods, including:
• Inspection, audit and review of the “Vehicle or Pedestrian Investigation Report” (Form 75-48A) • Integration of citizen encounters and attendant reporting into the CompStat process (which enhances command-level accountability) • Drafting and administration of directed trainings for members of all ranks
In addition, OPR has collaborated with Police Radio in crafting “Radio Quips.” These quips serve to inform officers of the reliability of information provided to the 911 call-taker (i.e., “verified” or “unverified”). This information assists officers in assessing the legal
sufficiency for a potential pedestrian investigation.
Office of Professional
Responsibility
The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) consists of the Internal Affairs Bureau and the Office of Standards and Accountability. OPR is responsible for the intake and investigation of civilian complaints against police, as well as internal allegations of misconduct (including violations of equal employment opportunity policy and laws).
Office of Professional Responsibility Deputy Commissioner Robin Wimberly
Internal Affairs Office of Standards Bureau & Accountability
Integrity & Accountability Internal Affairs
Special Integrity Control Internal Support Overtime Shooting Teams Drug Screening Quality Assurance Audit & Inspection Court Liaison Investigations Office Services Management
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These reform initiatives have resulted in consistent reduction in 75-48A error rates. In addition, as the accompanying graphic illustrates, in 2016 and 2017, the number of pedestrian investigations decreased by 32.3% and 19.6% respectively.
Also notable is that for the same years, the number of arrests for firearms violations increased by 43.6% and 11.5% respectively, which indicates that, as a department, we are becoming more laser-like in our focus on the persons responsible for committing gun-related offenses.
Crime % change % change % change % change 2013 2014 2014 vs. 2015 2015 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2017 2017 vs. Category 2013 2014 2015 2016 Pedestrian 225,369 230,300 2.2% 251,686 9.3% 170,425 -32.3% 136,938 -19.6% stops (2701) Violation of the Uniform 1,437 1,455 1.3% 1,336 -8.2% 1,919 43.6% 2,139 11.5% Firearms Act Offenses
All data UCR, SV from criminal SV database and are subject to change, PED stops
from CJIS.
Violation of the Uniform Firearms Pedestrian Stops Act (VUFA) Offenses
300000 2500
250000 2000
200000
1500 150000
1000 100000
50000 500
0 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
OPR has also led the Department’s compliance with Mayor’s Executive Order #5-17 (08-02-17), which, among other mandates, requires the posting of citizen complaints against police on the PPD website for the current year and previous four years. PPD readily embraced this order, as it is consistent with our existing effort to promote transparency to the community we serve.
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Community Engagement
The Philadelphia Police Department’s community engagement initiatives coalesce with our overarching mission and core values.
To that end, we have undertaken numerous initiatives designed to enhance and strengthen our level of engagement with the community we serve.
These programs and initiatives include the following:
Philadelphia Police Department-Collaborative Reform
In 2013, The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) voluntarily acceded to numerous evaluations and assessments by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) Office via the Collaborative Reform-Technical Assistance (CR-TA) Initiative; the partnership was forged in response to the increase of deadly officer-involved shootings. In 2015, the DOJ assessors submitted 91 recommendations to the PPD. The PPD collaborated with the DOJ, the Police Community Oversight Board, the Police Advisory Commission, and other public and private organizations to address and implement best practices in effort to decrease and eliminate deadly officer-involved shootings (OISs) and provide a better quality of life for Philadelphia residents. In addition, former Captain, now Staff Inspector Jacqueline Bailey-Davis, PPD Liaison, was tasked with ensuring continuity of the implementation of the recommendations with the assistance of numerous executive commanders and stakeholders.
In 2016, The PPD received an interim final report of the DOJ highlighting the significant accomplishments of the PPD. The accomplishments ranged from discarding antiquated police policies, modifying and developing new police policies to optimal police education and training structured and illustrated to decrease injury and liability, and to increase efficiency and proficiency. The DOJ has opted to permit the PPD to continue its collaboration with the above stakeholders to refine, develop, and implement practices that are suitable for public safety and aligned with the goals, values, and mission of the PPD. In addition, the DOJ has entrusted the PPD to reassess and restructure recommendation solutions. There were six pillars in the DOJ report of PPD. Staff Inspector Bailey-Davis conducted compliance checks and the below reflects the results from 2017: PAGE | 32 2017 Annual Report | Philadelphia Police Department
DOJ PILLAR NAMES *COMPLIANCE COMPLIANCE COMPLIANCE CHECKS STATUS SUMMARY Use of Force Policies 2nd Quarter All recommendations 100% compliance (Rec # 1.1-10) (07- 18/ 07-20) complete (20 total)
Basic Recruit Training 2nd Quarter All recommendations complete 94% compliance (Rec # 11.1- 21) (07-25) except 17.2 in progress (16 total)
Re-assessment of #s 24,25.2, 29, In-Service Training 2nd Quarter 71% compliance & 30 for operational efficiency & (Rec # 22-30) (07- 25/08-30) effectiveness (14 total)
All recommendations complete Investigations 3rd Quarter 94% compliance except 36.4 (collective bargaining (Rec # 31.1-39.3) (09-18/10-01) agreement-CBA) (18 total)
Use of Deadly Force Review & All recommendations are 3rd Quarter Officer Accountability 83% compliance complete except 40.1 & 40.5 (09-18/10-01) (Rec # 40.1-44.2) (CBA) (12 total)
External Oversight & 2nd & 3rd Quarters All recommendations Transparency 100% compliance (07-25/10-01) complete (11 total) (Rec #45.1-48.3)
*Compliance checks were conducted in regular intervals: 1st trimester (January-April) 2nd trimester (May-August) & 3rd trimester (September- December)
PPD Collaborations for Police Reforms & Community Service The PPD continues to collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement and supportive agencies and organizations to collectively assess, address, and implement effective policies and best practices to sustain positive police and community partnerships for a safer and healthier Philadelphia. The DOJ report can be found on www.phillypolice.com
In addition to the department’s adoption of the majority of the DOJ recommendations, our officers, supervisors and commanders routinely initiate, facilitate, and/or participate in outreach vehicles. These vehicles include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Participation in various safety-oriented initiatives Community (e.g., “Senior Safety Week,” “Gun Buy-Backs,” etc.); Relations/Victim Services Officers in Patrol Districts
In each Patrol District, a complement of officers is specifically dedicated to community relations activities and initiatives:
● Community Relations Officer ● Crime Prevention Officer ● Victim Assistance Officer Establishing and maintaining contact with crime victims for the purposes of obtaining additional information which may assist in the investigation,
and helping ensure that the victims will continue to While the officers assigned to these positions have dedicated cooperate through the prosecution phase; responsibilities, they often work in tandem in the furtherance of our overarching goals. Their collective responsibilities Distribution of crime prevention fliers, and posting of include, but are not limited to: safety recommendations via social media platforms;
Attendance at Town Hall, Town Watch, PSA, and other neighborhood/community group meetings;
Serving as liaisons to external public and private sector agencies and entities.
Planning and coordinating police/community recreational and educational programs and events (e.g., “Movie Nights,” “Coffee with a Cop,” “Hoops Against Bullying,” “Cops Helping Kids,” etc.);
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TWIS, PANN, & PCHR
PPD also partners with Town Watch Integrated Services (TWIS), Philadelphia Anti-Drug / Anti- Violence Network (PANN), and the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) in addressing neighborhood conflicts which may escalate into violence.
Police Chaplains and Police District Gun Buyback Programs Advisory Councils: The PPD receives and disposes of weapons submitted by citizens through various gun buyback programs. These programs help reduce the number of guns that may be illegally or accidentally used to wound or kill people across the city. The programs are often organized by community organizations and elected officials, and fueled by cash and gift cards (contributed by local businesses), to be exchanged for guns that are submitted.
Bigs in Blue The Police District Advisory Council and Police Chaplains are auxiliary organizations that work alongside the Police Department through their association with each numbered patrol district. These groups assist in nearly all of the community engagement programs (and many of the crime prevention initiatives) implemented by the twenty-one patrol captains, including: gun buy-backs, prayer walks, community days, and movie nights. They also often provide a calming presence during protests and demonstrations.
In addition to their service to the individual patrol districts, Commissioner Ross is the National Police these partners assist in department-wide community service Spokesperson for “Bigs in Blue,” a Big Brothers/Big programs such as “Operation Thanksgiving.” Sisters mentoring program. Students are matched
with officers for ongoing mentoring during bi-weekly lunch-period meetings at the student’s school. This relationship has the potential to strengthen the student’s circle of support from a variety of positive adults. It also offers police officers an opportunity to extend their commitment to do help people and bolster public safety on a very personal level. Bigs in Blue breaks down barriers by creating bridges between officers and young people in various communities; and making personal connections between police and community we serve.
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Collaboration with Special Populations
Police Explorer Program
Throughout 2017, PPD maintained strong partnerships with agencies and organizations which assist, and advocate on behalf of special populations. These include Widener Memorial School, Special Olympics Pennsylvania, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Digital and Social Media
The Police Explorer program is available to teenagers and Platforms young adults, ages 14 to 20. The program is designed to introduce those who are interested in law enforcement The Police Department utilizes a variety of social careers to aspects of law enforcement via classroom sessions, media platforms to disseminate and elicit field trips and hands-on training. Currently, there are nearly information regarding crime, criminal offenders, and 250 cadets in the program. Approximately, 150 cadets receive general safety precepts. training in Northeast Philadelphia at Tactical Headquarters, while the remaining cadets train at divisional satellite locations throughout the city.
Cristo Rey Student Internships
Since 2014, select students from Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School have interned with the Police Department. While gaining valuable work experience, these students develop healthy In addition, our social media platforms serve as relationships with excellent community engagement vehicles. members of the department, which can impact their sense of public safety responsibility, as well as their view of police.
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Our social media platforms include Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
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Looking Ahead
While the successes of 2017 suggest that the Department is steadily proceeding toward our specific and overarching goals, we recognize that much work lies ahead. To that end, we enter 2018 with energy and enthusiasm, as we continue to implement and augment various strategies and innovations.
As we progress through 2018, the Police Department will remain diligent in our effort to combat crime and improve the quality of life for Philadelphia residents and visitors. Areas of emphasis will include:
• Continued reduction in violent and property crime • Enhancement of existing community trust and collaboration • Improvements to traffic safety and reduction of traffic congestion • Leveraging of technological capabilities • Investment in employee wellness and safety
As was the case for 2017, throughout 2018, we will provide service with honor and integrity… The PHL Way!
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