PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — This weekend on Flashpoint, host Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw's first year on the job.
Last February, Outlaw was sworn in to become the first Black woman to fill the city's top cop seat after months of advocacy by activists. But a month after her arrival, the city was put on COVID-19 lockdown.
Weeks later, racial unrest and looting rocked the city following the death of George Floyd and Outlaw was thrown into the spotlight as the police were called out for handling of protesters. In the meantime, the city saw a sharp rise in the number of shootings and gun-related homicides.
Outlaw has faced critics, but others ask how anyone would do under such tumultuous, unusual circumstances. In an extended one-on-one interview, Outlaw takes a look back at her first year as commissioner. She addresses her critics and speaks on gun violence and how her role as a mother impacts how she leads. The commissioner also lays out her vision for progress in 2021.
The Patriot Home Care Changemaker of the week is Tiny WPA. The organization builds wooden desks and stools designed to fit in small spaces. The effort was created in response to needs of kids living in the city and trying to work in tight spaces during virtual learning. Co-founder Alex Gilliam joins us. To request a desk or donate, visit their website.
Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KYW Newsradio 103.9 FM and 1060 AM. It also airs at 5 a.m. Sundays on B101 FM and WPHT 1210 AM, at 6 a.m. on WOGL 98.1 and TDY 96.5 and 6:30a.m. on 94.1 WIP.
Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the RADIO.COM app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get podcasts by searching "Flashpoint."
