PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing is going to investigate whether there is a correlation between the increase in gun violence in Philadelphia and the decrease in convictions of gun crimes.
The investigation comes in a House-passed resolution from Representative Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery County).
“We're seeing a dramatic change, an uptick in the number of people shot and an uptick in the number of homicides," said Stephens, as well as "a dramatic reduction in the conviction rate. It behooves us as a General Assembly to understand why that's happening.”
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For example, Stephens points to the the conviction rate for violations of the Uniform Firearms Act in Philadelphia, 71% in 2015 but down to to 53% in 2020, while the number of times firearms charges were withdrawn has climbed significantly.
“It is incredibly important that we get a handle on what is driving this dramatic increase in firearm fatalities and this dramatic decrease in convictions for those crimes," he said.
Representative Donna Bullock (D-Philadelphia), whose district includes Strawberry Mansion along with the areas around the Art Museum and the Zoo, voiced opposition. She said the legislature has not granted repeated requests for resources.
“Nor has the gentleman asked anyone from the county of Philadelphia to work with him on this resolution," said Bullock.
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“This is not what we have asked for. We have had several conversations on this House floor asking for the kind of resources we believe will keep our community safe.”
“I am a representative from Philadelphia and I have spoken to the maker of this bill, and I'm very proud that he's offered it because I am very, very deeply concerned," said Representative Martina White (R-Northeast Philadelphia).
“The death and destruction is horrific. We have to do more. But we also have to be real about the numbers and the data behind it.”
Stephens said the Commission on Sentencing is the best option for objective analysis, as it’s made up of state lawmakers, judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys.
The resolution passed 133-67, and the report is due by June 30.
