PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Does Philadelphia need a public safety director? That's something voters could be asked if city council passes legislation introduced at Thursday’s session.
City Council President Darrell Clarke thinks the city needs a cabinet-level official who would coordinate the anti-violence work being done by multiple city departments, including police, prisons and parks.
“All of that should have somebody coordinating all of those activities if you’re serious about having a collaborative, comprehensive approach to stop gun violence in the city of Philadelphia,” Clarke said.
Clarke says he got the idea from visiting other cities that have lowered their crime rates and finding they had someone who was responsible for overall public safety.
“I think it’s clear that having a person who reports directly to the mayor, a cabinet-level position, to show this is one of the most important significant issues in the city of Philadelphia is the way to go,” Clarke said.
Related
The legislation calls for a law enforcement professional with at least five years experience running a state or city public safety agency, who would be paid $265,000 a year to provide guidance and evaluate the city department’s efforts.
The bill must pass a committee hearing by mid-March to make it onto the primary ballot. It would become the fourth charter change referendum in the May election.