Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel addressed South Philly residents’ safety concerns at a Community Crime Meeting on Wednesday night.
The meeting occurred after a string of violent robberies have occurred in South Philadelphia in recent months.
Two arrests — a 13 and a 16-year-old — have been made in the case, but police are still searching for other suspects.
“I’m very curious to hear how sound cameras are going to be implemented,” said Eleanor Ingersoll, the executive director of South Street District. “How strategic police will be placed to offer support and protection.”
Residents packed into the meeting to get answers directly from Bethel.
“What can we expect from the Philadelphia police in terms of keeping our community, our churches, kids safe?” Andrew, of Passyunk, asked Bethel.
“We are really concerned,” said Joe Manning, a resident of South Philly. “And you mentioned it’s a relatively safe neighborhood, and we would plead with you to deploy those resources until we can get a handle on this.”
Bethel promised residents that the department would bring more resources to the area, and that he was confident that crime would be brought under control.
People say that they are on edge after several recent robberies and attacks all happened in the same area of South Philadelphia. NBC10’s Kelsey Kushner reports.
“I’m confident that the chief inspector, captain, can get this under control,” he said.
Bethel told NBC10 that part of the PPD’s strategy to improve safety in South Philly will be to focus on strengthening community policing.
“I learned a long time ago that community policing is getting out in the community,” Bethel said. “So this gives me an opportunity to see folks where they’re at, meet them where they are.”
Anyone with information on the recent muggings in South Philly, including surveillance video are urged to share it with the PPD at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or anonymously online here.