Crime

A New Way To Police Philly?
Like cities around the world, Philly’s Police Assisted Diversion pilot has referred thousands of low-level offenders to social services instead of jail. The program is spreading to every district in the city this summer
By Christina Griffith
Is Social Media Behind Philly’s Rise in Violent Crime?
Instagram feuds, Twitter taunts and online videos are taking the blame for several shootings over the last couple of years. The answer is old-fashioned communication
By Will Marani
Guest Commentary: The Team Philly Needs Now
A shooting survivor and anti-violence advocate has a plan — inspired by our pro sports teams — to get the whole city behind stopping violence
By LuQman Abdullah
Listen: Ali Velshi on the Constitutional Sheriffs Movement
MSNBC anchor and Citizen Board member reports on a trend among county sheriffs who believe they are the ultimate enforcers of all laws, but especially gun rights and immigration laws
By Ali Velshi
The Fix: Corrupt and Consenting
In this excerpt from his new book, a longtime political reformer dives deep into Philly’s unique culture of political corruption — and proposes ways to overcome it
By Brett Mandel
“Our Children’s Killers Are Still Out There”
The police, DA and Sheriff’s Office have kicked off a new partnership to track down known homicide suspects. Will it help assuage the frustration of victims’ families?
By Mensah M. Dean
Guest Commentary: The Next Mayor’s Crime Prevention Plan
Cities around the country are using cameras and data analysis to solve and prevent crimes. Is there a candidate, a local resident wonders, who will do the same in Philly?
By Daniel Chertok
Guest Commentary: We’re Already Defunding the Philly Police
Bloating pension payments contribute to our staff shortage. Here, ways to solve the issue
By Jordan McGillis