PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The understaffed Philadelphia Police Department is getting some relief, as a class of new officers graduated from the Police Academy for the first time in more than a year.
41 newly-minted officers accepted their diplomas to wild cheering from friends and relatives attending the ceremony at Temple University’s McGonigle Hall.
Mayor Jim Kenney was less demonstrative but also happy to have new blood in the department.
“People don’t want to go into this profession for a number of reasons, and as many as we can get to want to join, serve and protect is good for all of us,” Kenney said.
“It felt wonderful (to see them graduate). They’re all young, in shape, fit men and women who are going to be out on the streets keeping us safe. I’m very proud of them and happy they decided to serve.”
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The police department is about 175 officers short of full staffing, and Kenney said it’s been tough to keep the pipeline of candidates flowing into the department.
“We have officers retiring every month at record rates, and we don’t have the same number of people wanting to take the test and become part of the force,” said Kenney.
That’s one reason he lifted the residency requirements for new recruits.
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“It’s like saying you can only play for the Phillies if you grew up in Philadelphia. It’s kind of stupid. The residency requirement was intended to foster a more diverse police force,” he said.
The residency requirement was intended to foster a more diverse police force, but Kenney suggested that’s a function of recruiting, proposing more outreach to historically Black colleges and universities and military bases.
This class is 60% non-white, roughly in line with the city’s goal for the force overall, but still overwhelmingly male.
Kareema Blocker, the only African-American woman among the new graduates, seemed undaunted by her assignment to the 24th Police District which includes parts of North and Northeast Philadelphia, one of the toughest districts in the city.
“I’m ready to go out in the streets and make an impact in the community,” said Blocker, who hails from North Philadelphia. “Growing up in the urban community, I believe I can relate more, so I’m going to do a good job.”
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Her mom, Jamelle Hooper, was beyond proud.
“I’m trying to hold back my tears,” Hooper said. “She is so wonderful. I’m so proud. She’s my wonder woman.”
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