Working Under the Gun

Gun violence citywide decreased in 2023 — but attacks on public employees continued to rise. Can the City keep its bus drivers — and other workers — safe?

By Mensah M. Dean
Listen

Gang Wars and Good Data

In the newest installment of How to Really Run a City, The Citizen’s acclaimed podcast, legendary Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey returns for a powerful conversation about public safety.

By Jessica Blatt Press

Why Is Tyree Wallace Still in Prison?

Despite high-profile efforts of advocates like sports reporter Michael Barkann, the Point Breeze native has spent 26 years imprisoned for a murder witnesses say he didn’t commit. That hasn’t stopped the citizen activist from serving others

By Christina Griffith

View From The Streets

For the first time in three years, the city is poised to start a new year with fewer than 500 fatalities, thanks to a renewed focus on the most violent neighborhoods. But the gunshots, sirens, and recurring cycles of mourning persist

By Mensah M. Dean
Listen

Tuxes, Blackberries and the Key to Effective Policing

In the first of this two-part episode of the How to Really Run a City podcast, former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey shares how he helped oversee a record low crime rate — and how more leaders can do the same

By Jessica Blatt Press
Guest Commentary

New Direction on Law Enforcement in Philly? Don’t Be So Sure.

Parker makes a politically safe pick for Police Commissioner, the re-elected Sheriff continues to be an embarrassment, and the SEPTA and Temple Police Departments struggle for survival.

By A. Benjamin Mannes

Is Kevin Bethel the Police Changemaker We Need?

Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker’s choice for new Philly Police Commissioner transformed the school-to-prison pipeline. Can he do the same for the city writ large?

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

What Should Cherelle Parker Do to Drive Down Shootings?

The Mayor-elect campaigned on stop-and-frisk, increasing police and bringing in the National Guard. Her constituents have strong views on all of that

By Mensah M. Dean
Ideas We Should Steal Festival 2023

Police Reform with Charles Ramsey

Philadelphia’s former top cop, a forerunner of transparency and equity in policing, will talk about the future of serving and protecting with former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed on November 17

By Lauren McCutcheon
Ideas We Should Steal

Flock Safety Camera Network

The automatic license plate recognition system (ALPR) helped Atlanta police capture a mass shooter in May. Could it help Philly police put an end to rising car thefts and violence, as well?

By Courtney DuChene