By Jack Tomczuk

A draft version of the Philadelphia Police Department’s five-year plan — which includes proposals for designated quality-of-life officers and handling 911 calls with AI-assisted technology — was released last week.

The document is expected to serve as a strategic guide through 2030 for a department that has a headcount of more than 6,200 uniformed and civilian employees and a budget nearing $900 million a year.

“This plan is designed to transform the Philadelphia Police Department into a national model for modern, equitable policing,” Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel wrote in a letter accompanying the report. “We are setting the standard for how a major city department can be responsive, data-driven, and community-centered.”

In October, Bethel and Mayor Cherelle Parker described the plan as the first in PPD’s history to utilize feedback from community leaders and the public. More than 2,500 people filled out a survey, and about 200 individuals served on the effort’s leadership team, steering committee and advisory groups, officials said.

There is still time for input. The PPD is soliciting public comment through Feb. 11 via a website, phillypolice.com/strategicplan. A finalized document is expected to be published in late February.

The 39-page report is organized around five “priority areas” — Advance Trust with the Community and Partners, Ensure Safe Neighborhoods, Invest in the Workforce, Promote a Collaborative and Supportive Internal Culture, and Foster Organizational Excellence and Innovation.

“Departments that deliver consistent, high-quality service across all neighborhoods — not just in response to violent crime, but to the full range of community concerns — demonstrate that every resident matters and that the Department can be trusted to show up when needed,” the plan states.

Quality-of-life officers, alternative 911 responses

To that end, the report calls for the creation of “Quality of Life officers” in each of the PPD’s geographic districts to address neighborhood nuisances and concerns. It also recommends reinstating alternative responses to 911 reports for non-violent incidents to increase timely response and free up sworn officers.

PPD data should also be expanded to include quality of life metrics, instead of only traditional crime categories, such as aggravated assaults, robberies and burglaries, according to the plan.

AI-assisted reporting

Over the next five years, the department intends to transition more fully from paperwork to digital record-keeping technology and replace outdated software to increase efficiency.

Among the strategies put forth in the plan is using artificial intelligence “with appropriate safeguards” to speed up reporting. Police intend to track the number of AI-assisted 911 calls.

Officers will be partnering more closely with SEPTA Transit Police and university public safety departments to coordinate patrols, the report says. PPD will also continue collaborating with businesses to crack down on retail theft.

The department’s Community Partnerships Bureau will be expanded, with the goal of creating a framework to guide commanders and officers.

“Today, approaches to community engagement can look very different from district to district — sometimes leading to innovative partnerships, and other times creating gaps or inconsistency in how residents experience the Department,” the report states.

An existing Youth Advisory Council is set to be formalized, with people between the ages of 14 and 21 meeting regularly with PPD leaders to give feedback and create activities and messaging for young people.

The draft proposal also recommends evaluating and expanding law enforcement-led juvenile diversion programs, in an effort to keep young people out of the criminal justice system.

New leadership roles, officer wellness initiatives

Internally, the PPD wants to create a new “Master Police Officer” position to provide training, formal mentorship and guidance to patrol officers. A “Leadership Academy” is also proposed for supervisors to go over leadership principles and communication skills.

The department’s early intervention system will be enhanced to detect stressed officers who may be on the verge of mental health crisis or misconduct and need support. A “decompression protocol” is being developed for employees involved in shootings, serious injuries or other potentially traumatic events, according to the plan.

When transfers happen, particularly of a district captain, there can be a loss of knowledge about ongoing neighborhood problems, the report notes. In an attempt to smooth out the transition process, it calls for the creation of community stakeholder databases for each district, as well as more formal public announcements about leadership changes.

The document additionally recommends more standardized pathways for sharing effective strategies developed in one district or unit across the entire city.

To review the draft plan, go to phillypolice.com/strategicplan.

Keywords

Philadelphia Police Department,

Kevin Bethel,

Quality-of-life officers,

Strategic plan