PPD selected for Dept. of Justice partnership in effort to combat violent crime

The Philadelphia Police Department has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Public Safety Partnership (PSP), officials announced on Wednesday. As a result, the PPD will receive intensive training in the areas of gun violence, criminal justice collaboration, investigations and community engagement—among other focal points—as well as technology assistance to implement strategies to reduce crime.

Implemented in 2014 as a pilot program, the PSP team supports local law enforcement through a collaborative approach, and has served more than 40 sites nationwide.

“I’m encouraged that Philadelphia was chosen to take part in the DOJ’s Public Safety Partnership—a program that will ensure the Philadelphia Police Department’s remains a leader in modern policing and will help protect our city,” said Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw in a statement. “As a learning organization, our department strives for best practices and equitable policing. PSP will help us improve our current practices, policies, and procedures so that our organization is in a better position to serve the community not just today, but far into the future.”

Over the next three years, the PPD will develop a collaborative network to combat violent crime in the city. PSP will help implement violence reduction strategies and coordination among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices. All of these services are provided without cost to taxpayers or the City of Philadelphia.

“Public Safety is the responsibility of everyone—not just law enforcement. The PSP will not only assist the PPD in ensuring that implementing the latest best practices, but it will also aid with collaboration between the department and other stakeholders,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “This is a big win for our city.”

Philadelphia was selected to participate in PSP through a process that considers both quantitative and qualitative measures, and in consultation with United States Attorneys and DOJ law enforcement partners. In order to be considered for selection, sites must apply and have levels of violence that exceed the national average.

The partnership is the city’s latest effort to combat gun violence that has plagued the city. As of Wednesday morning, there have been 431 homicide victims reported in the City of Philadelphia, up 14% compared to this point in 2020.

“I am grateful to the Department of Justice for selecting Philadelphia to participate in the PSP program,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams in a statement. “PSP emphasizes the importance of law enforcement and community partnerships. … Please take heart, Philadelphia; we are continuing to fight and will turn the tide of violence.”