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PHILADELPHIA – Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel says there are a lot of factors at play in keeping Philadelphia\u2019s crime rate down. \u00a0One of them is community partnerships. That\u2019s why the Department decided to honor more than 50 people for helping to keep their local communities safe. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Commissioner Bethel says to the crowd, “Yes, we\u2019re doing a lot of work, but what often doesn\u2019t get recognized is the work that you do\u2026.how you keep your block straight\u2026.how you keep other blocks straight.”<\/p>\n
Omar Muse of the nonprofit organization, Eddie\u2019s House, is one of the award recipients.<\/p>\n
Muse told FOX 29 News, “We really specialize in our mentorship program, restorative justice program\u2026. To help the young people think before they do things.” \u00a0He went on to say, “It\u2019s definitely making a difference. \u00a0The numbers show and the people are happy.”<\/p>\n
This year, Philadelphia\u2019s homicide rate is 25% lower than this time last year, and last year\u2019s hit a historic low that hadn\u2019t been seen since the 1960s.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Bethel explains, “A lot of the work we do goes unseen. \u00a0And a lot of the work that they do is not seen.” \u00a0He continues, “We wanted them to know at the highest level of the police department, we appreciate them.”<\/p>\n
Cynthia Hughes, known in West Philadelphia as “Lady Q,” is a poet, activist and Founder of The Black Corner, which connects the community with necessary resources. \u00a0She was honored tonight for leading with her heart.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m a person knocking at your door: \u2018What can I do for you? What can we do for each other \u2014 how can we get you involved?\u2019”<\/p>\n
Getting involved is something that Michael Weiss says he\u2019s done his entire life as a 5th-generation Philadelphian.<\/p>\n
“I still think we have some work to do with quality of life issues,” says Weiss, who was recognized for his work in Center City: serving as the bridge between law enforcement and the community and building trust with the LGBTQ community. \u00a0He says working together is key. \u00a0<\/p>\n
“If the police aren\u2019t your partners, and you\u2019re not their partner, it just doesn\u2019t work,” says Weiss.<\/p>\n
According to the PPD, this was the first time that the community has been recognized in this way, involving the police department’s top brass. Commissioner Bethel says they\u2019re looking forward to continuing this new and important event. \u00a0
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