Philadelphia Plans 5-Year Public Safety Strategy With Community Input

Philadelphia city leaders, including Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel and Mayor Cherelle Parker, are developing a five-year public safety strategic plan that emphasizes community involvement and data-driven policing. The plan, shaped by input from over 200 stakeholders including residents, police captains, and community members, aims to build trust and ensure the community sees itself as part of the safety efforts. Officials are currently seeking broader public feedback through an online survey to incorporate diverse perspectives before finalizing the plan, expected to be drafted by early 2026. The strategy will focus on prevention, intervention, enforcement, and enhancing officer training and wellness programs, building on a prior 100-day plan established by Bethel. The initiative marks a shift from top-down planning to a bottom-up approach, aiming to redefine community policing and improve public safety across Philadelphia. Mayor Parker highlighted that the plan follows her executive order declaring a public safety emergency, underscoring the urgency of addressing crime and restoring order.