PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The nation’s fourth-largest police department now officially has a new top cop. Kevin Bethel on Tuesday swore his oath to the city as its new police commissioner in a ceremony at Conwell Middle Magnet School in Kensington.
With his wife holding the Bible, and Parker reciting the words, Bethel vowed to uphold the law and protect the citizens of Philadelphia.
Bethel emphasized the three points he will focus on in his tenure as commissioner:
Prevention — “It is about reclaiming our future. It’s about investing in our future and providing our youth with alternatives to the streets.”
Intervention — “It involves partnering with our citizens and stakeholders to provide support and treatment for those in need. We want to heal our community.”
Enforcement — “Means restoring law and order humanely and with dignity.”
Most recently the chief of school safety for the School District of Philadelphia, Bethel was very clear about an early target on his radar — right around the corner from Conwell and the main complaint of neighborhood residents.
“Open drug markets that are occurring right there in Kensington and casting a shadow over our community will be dismantled. We will pursue those who harm and traumatize our neighborhoods across the city,” Bethel said
“Our streets, as well as our schools, should be safe havens for our students, but instead are battlegrounds against substance abuse, violence and despair.
“The reality is stark and painful. Needles litter our paths. Drug users are impaired. Our youth are often diverted from their potential, and community spirit is under siege and stressed.”
Bethel promised to restore law and order to the city. He vowed to “listen, understand and act.” He said he realizes there will be challenges along the way, but he promised “accountability and results.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker praised Bethel for his 35 years of law enforcement experience and expertise in juvenile justice reform, and she pledged to have his back.
“This commissioner has the support of his mayor, 1,000%. I know he is going to do what is right, to make the public health and safety of our city his No. 1 priority,” the mayor said.
The packed house included teachers, colleagues, students, the FBI’s new special agent in charge of the Philadelphia Field Office, members of City Council and all members of the Department’s top brass. Former police commissioners Charles Ramsey and Richard Ross sat with Bethel on stage.
Bethel praised Ramsey and Ross, and both got a standing ovation.
This was Ross's first public appearance since he resigned in August of 2019. Notably absent, though, was the most recent commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, and District Attorney Larry Krasner.