Reality Check: Will a New Police Chief Above Our Old Police Chief Change Anything?

City Councilmembers are celebrating the idea of a “Public Safety Director” to oversee violence reduction in Philly. But, WURD’s midday host wonders, what will that really solve?

By Charles D. Ellison

What to Do With the Philadelphia Roundhouse

The City plans to sell the old police headquarters. Can — and will — it be redeveloped in a way that respects the building’s history?

By Courtney DuChene

What the Controller’s Police Audit Didn’t Say

Rebecca Rhynhart’s detailed analysis of the department’s budget included several dozen recommendations. The most important one never got a mention

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

What Mattered In 2021

2021 was another year of tragedy and hardship—and also hope and resilience. In other words: It was Philly.

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

Turning the Tide on Gun Violence… Everywhere But Philly

Some big city mayors are saying enough is enough and are—finally—doubling down on smart policing and prosecution. Here in Philly? Not so much

By Larry Platt

The Real Story Behind Philly’s Violence Epidemic

D.A. Larry Krasner is in denial, the mayor has thrown up his hands, and the police commissioner has gone MIA. But maybe the ultimate solution to our historic scourge of violence lies beyond them, anyway

By Larry Platt

A Predictable Powder Keg

Philly officials who overlooked the smoldering tensions around Aramingo Avenue did that neighborhood—and our city—a grave disservice

By Thom Nickels

Does Police Reform Include Better Policing?

A virtual panel discussion last week was full of talk of reform. But you wouldn’t have known we’re in the midst of a tragic murder epidemic

By Larry Platt