COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE3 Room 400, City Hall6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, April 11, 20117 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA10 COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE11 COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN12 COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR.13 COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER14 COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ15 COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR.16 COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO BILLS 110135, 110136, 110137 and 11013818 RESOLUTION 110161 - - -20 2
Good2 morning. This is a continued public3 hearing of the Committee of the Whole.4 I would ask Mr. McPherson to5 please read the bills that are before us.6 MR. McPHERSON: Bills under7 consideration are Resolution 110161, the8 City's Five Year Plan; Bill No. 110135,9 Capital Program 2012 through 2017; Bill10 No. 110136, the Capital Budget for 2012;11 Bill No. 110137, the Operating Budget for12 Fiscal 2012; and Bill No. 110138,13 adjusting the wage tax.14 Today we are taking testimony15 on Bill No. 110137, the Operating Budget16 for 2012, and our first department is the17 Police Department.18 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:19 Commissioner, would you please approach20 the witness table.21 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes,22 ma'am.23 (Witnesses approached witness24 table.)25 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
May I2 just say that I'm really delighted that3 you're staying with us, Commissioner.4 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Thank5 you.6
Thank7 you. 9 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Thank10 you, Madam President. Charles H. Ramsey,11 Police Commissioner. To my right is the12 First Deputy of Field Operations, Richard13 Ross. 17 Good morning, Madam President18 Verna and all distinguished members of19 City Council. On behalf of the20 Philadelphia Police Department, thank you21 for this important opportunity to discuss22 the present and future of policing in23 Philadelphia. 4 The Philadelphia Police5 Department's Fiscal Year 2012 General6 Fund budget request is $550,686,244, with7 the below-listed allocations. 2 million is the18 result of the last contract award between19 the City and the Fraternal Order of20 Police, Lodge 5, which granted sworn21 personnel a three percent raise. 5 million23 for a new class of 120 recruits. 3 The Police Department is4 committed to supporting the5 Administration's goal of percent6 minority, woman and disabled-owned7 business participation in City8 contracting. 15 The Philadelphia Police16 Department has continued to make progress17 in driving down crime in the City. 3 Our special investigative4 units, such as Homicide and the Special5 Victims Unit, continue to demonstrate6 excellence with a 70 and 73 respective7 clearance rate for homicides and sexual8 assaults. 15 I'm also proud to report that16 every unit in the Department's Forensic17 Science Bureau, such as Crime Scene,18 Firearms Identification and the DNA lab,19 has achieved accreditation through20 Forensic Quality Services Forensic21 Accreditation Program in 2010. 4 Our lab has worked aggressively5 over the past three years in reducing our6 forensic backlog. At the end of 2010 as7 compared to 2008, the ballistics evidence8 backlog decreased by 74 percent, from9 2,878 cases to 741 cases. The chemistry10 backlog decreased by 78 percent, from11 3,784 to 827 cases. The DNA backlog12 decreased by 29 percent, from 3,332 cases13 to 2,368 cases. 17 The Department has worked18 steadily to accomplish our crime19 prevention, reduction and investigation20 goals despite attrition and slowed hiring21 for sworn personnel. We've implemented22 numerous operational efficiencies and23 service improvements while maintaining24 our focus on uniform patrol. 6 For the first time in the7 Department's history, during Fiscal Year8 2011 operational units received9 individualized overtime spending plans,10 enabling commanders to monitor and better11 control their resources. The12 Department's Overtime Management Unit,13 which was established in January of 2009,14 has done an excellent job, both15 internally with providing feedback and16 oversight for all of our units and17 externally through partnerships with the18 District Attorney's Office and the19 Courts. 10 Multiple pilot initiatives11 involving patrol units were also12 implemented during the course of the13 year. 3 Other pilot initiatives4 included what has become Philly Rising, a5 multi-agency effort providing coordinated6 City services to the neighborhoods most7 affected by crime and disorder. 13 The core of our policing14 strategy remains in uniform patrol. We15 have made several important adjustments16 in our deployment to support maximizing17 the number of uniform patrol personnel18 available during peak crime periods. m. in select districts in order21 to combat violent crimes in the time22 period in which the majority occurs. 5 In summary, we're doing as much6 as we can to become more efficient and7 effective, as well as create more8 opportunities for improvements in how we9 deliver service. The Department is10 becoming more evidence-based and11 collaborative in its approach to fighting12 and preventing crime. This past October,13 the Department received one of two14 honorable mentions from the International15 Association of Chiefs of Police16 Excellence in Law Enforcement Research17 Award for our research collaboration18 involving foot patrol with Temple19 University.
3 These challenging fiscal times4 demand that we take a different approach5 to crime and public safety. We cannot6 suppress it in the short term. 11 Thank you very much for your12 consideration, and I'm available to13 answer any questions you or anyone else14 may have. 15
Thank16 you, Commissioner.17 What is your current attrition18 rate?19 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:20 We are anticipating 190 this year and21 then Fiscal '12, we anticipate 200.22 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:23 Commissioner, you mention in your24 testimony that you will be starting a new25 13 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 recruit class of 120 in the new fiscal2 year. When do you expect to start the3 class?4 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: The class5 will start on or about July 1st, I6 believe July 4th -- July 11th is the7 actual start date for the 120 new police8 recruits.9
And10 when will they be ready for active11 patrol?12 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: They will13 graduate. We start them in July. They14 will come out in February of 2012.15
How16 many recruit classes do you expect to17 have during Fiscal 2012?18 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Right now19 we're budgeted for the one.20
On21 of your budget detail, it reflects22 an increase of over $6 million for23 regular uniformed overtime. Can you tell24 us why you need these additional funds?25 14 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:2 Good morning, Madam President, members of3 Council. I'm Deputy Commissioner Jack4 Gaittens.5 Looking at the overtime, you6 are correct, it is a $6.2 million7 increase. Of that, $3 million is8 allocated for the Casino Unit that the9 Commissioner referenced in his testimony.10 As you are aware, the fact that we were11 only able to hire 120 and two classes12 were cancelled last year, that leaves us13 with a significant challenge as far as14 keeping the staffing on the street up to15 date. So the Casino Unit will be16 primarily staffed with overtime. So17 there's $3 million right there.18 As the Commissioner also19 pointed out, there is a three percent20 salary increase and an additional one21 percent increase in stress in the last22 fiscal year for the FOP award. So that23 will account for another $1.1 million24 right there.25 15 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Going into the summertime,2 looking at potential increases in3 staffing needs on the weekends and for4 other special events, we figure in a5 couple million dollars there. So it6 basically is for overtime for addressing7 crime problems in addition to the Casino8 Unit and the raise.9
How10 many police are assigned to the casino11 detail?12 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS:13 Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross.14 We actually have about 1215 police officers that rotate in and out of16 the casino, and right now it's actually17 working out very well, according to the18 casino personnel.19
Thank20 you.21 Commissioner, would it be more22 cost effective if you used the additional23 overtime funds to hire new officers?24 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well, I25 16 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 mean, ultimately I would leave that up to2 our finance people for the actual3 figures, but with overtime, you do have4 to take into account that you're not5 paying for benefits and other types of6 costs, uniforms and the like, when you're7 dealing with overtime versus brand new8 hires. But certainly we have9 representatives here from Finance if10 you'd like to get into more detail about11 the comparison between the two.12
I13 will ask that question before the end of14 the hearing, because we have other15 Councilmembers that would like to be16 recognized.17 What do you estimate your18 court-related overtime will be in Fiscal19 2012?20 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: We don't21 specifically break it out by court,22 although that's a huge amount of the23 overtime expenditure. But let me just24 say this: With the new procedure put in25 17 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 place by our District Attorney, the Zone2 Courts, we do anticipate that that's3 going to have a positive impact on our4 court overtime in the future. So far,5 it's working well. We also, through our6 management overtime -- Overtime7 Management Unit, Inspector Flacco, we8 check as subpoenas come in to see whether9 or not the DA really needs that many10 police officers for a particular case,11 and we're really trying to tighten up the12 court overtime, because that's a13 considerable amount of our overtime14 expenditure, is in court.15 So we'll never get it down to16 zero, obviously, but we certainly want to17 make sure that we have no waste in that18 area. We can tell you what we've spent19 historically in court, although the funds20 themselves aren't really broken out that21 way, and I'll let Deputy Gaittens address22 that.23 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:24 Yes. For several years, we were spending25 18 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 in excess of $20 million for court. As2 the Commissioner said, we started an3 initiative to try and really reduce our4 court overtime and the other associated5 overtime. From Fiscal '08 to '09, we6 reduced net overtime by almost $87 million. From '09 to '10 was another 7.48 million reduction, and from '10 to '11,9 we anticipate 3.9 reductions, for a total10 of $19.4 million in the reduction.11 Now, during that period of12 time, there were several wage increases13 to the Fraternal Order of Police. In '0814 there was a four percent increase. In15 '09 two percent in the beginning of the16 fiscal year, two percent salary increase17 in January and a one percent longevity.18 Then in Fiscal '10, there was no19 increase. Fiscal '11, three percent20 salary increase and one percent stress21 increase. And in Fiscal '12, there will22 be a three percent salary increase. So23 we're looking at 16 percent increase in24 our Class 100 costs.25 19 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Now, during that time, we've2 had to absorb those costs into our3 budget, but we've targeted the hours,4 because sometimes when you're talking5 about decreasing overtime, it's better to6 talk about hours than the dollar amounts.7 In Fiscal '08, we spent 1.88 million hours in overtime; '09,9 1,677,000; and in '10, 1,000,461. So the10 hours have decreased significantly.11 Looking at the decrease from '08 to '10,12 we are down 342,598 hours, and as the13 Commissioner said, Inspector Flacco has14 done an outstanding job with his people,15 very closely monitoring all aspects of16 the overtime.17
Thank18 you.19 Commissioner, you are20 requesting $19 million in uniform IOD21 heart and lung payments for Fiscal 2012.22 This represents an increase of $2.323 million over your Fiscal 2011 estimate.24 Can you explain why these additional25 20 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 funds are needed and what steps the City2 is taking to reduce these costs?3 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:4 Yes, ma'am. As you're aware, heart and5 lung has been very problematic for us for6 several years now. We have actually7 reached a high at one point. August 30th8 of this past year, there were 3309 officers IOD. That means not working at10 all, average during per day. So very11 significant number there.12 We have been working for the13 past several months with the Fraternal14 Order of Police working together to try15 and knock that number down. And after16 the first series of meetings, we reduced17 it from 330 down to 275. From there, it18 went down to 260, and as of our last19 meeting March 21st, it was down to 258.20 We hope to continue -- we are going to21 continue to meet with the FOP, and we22 hope we can drive that number down23 significantly from there. But as you24 said, the budget was laid out to reflect25 21 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the possibility that we were still going2 to be up around the 320 IOD range. So3 it's a significant cost factor.4 From the legislative angle, we5 do have Lieutenant Fran Healy working6 with the City Administration to see what7 we can do. One of the aspects that's8 problematic under heart and lung is,9 there is no definition on what a10 temporary injury is. With the Regulation11 32, if you get to three years, then it's12 pretty much you've run your course.13 Under heart and lung, we have one officer14 that was five years and four months,15 another officer is four years and seven16 months. But in other jurisdictions17 outside of Philadelphia, there are some18 officers that have been on nine, ten, 1119 years heart and lung.20 So one of the things that we21 would like to see is some definition of22 the term "temporary" in the heart and23 lung, although that does create other24 issues. Then if somebody is no longer25 22 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 temporary, they're permanent and now2 you're talking about a disability3 pension. So there are many issues to be4 considered here.5 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: And if I6 can just add one thing. I want to just7 again mention the cooperation we've had8 from the FOP in trying to bring these9 numbers down. They have been very10 receptive to sitting down with us and11 talking about these individual cases and12 helping us get people back to work, and I13 have no reason to believe that will not14 continue into the future, and that will15 be very helpful. Also, some of that cost16 reflects the increase in salary that took17 place as a result of the last contract.18 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:19 Commissioner, I believe we have 6,46920 police officers?21 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Our22 budget strength is 6,624. With the COPS23 grant is 6,674, and as of today, 6,476.24 Yes, ma'am. One hundred and fifty-five25 23 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 in Aviation, but that's not carried in2 our regular budget.3
On4 average, how many uniform personnel do5 you have available for active duty each6 day?7 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well, it8 depends on the tour of duty and also if9 you're talking about full-duty status10 versus the limited and restricted-duty11 status, which we can give you. The heart12 and lung, as Deputy Commissioner Gaittens13 mentioned before, is 258, limited duty is14 84, and restricted duty is 91.15 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:16 And in addition to that, on the average17 day, 147 sworn are off sick, 362 --18
I'm19 sorry. You're going much too quickly.20 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:21 I'm sorry. On the average day, by 201022 statistics, an average of 147 officers23 are off sick, 362 are off on vacation, 2324 are off on other types of leave. So we25 24 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 would be taking the 258 injured on duty,2 plus the other forms of absence, 532. So3 we're talking about 790.4
And5 how many would you say are on limited6 duty?7 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:8 Limited duty, 84.9
Thank10 you very much.11 The Chair recognizes Councilman12 Greenlee.13
Thank14 you, Madam President.15 Good morning, everyone.16 (Good morning.)17 COUNCILMAN GREENLEE:18 Commissioner, in your testimony you talk19 about the new shift, the 8:00 p.m. to20 4:00 a.m. shift in select districts. Can21 you tell us what those districts are?22 Have you figured that out?23 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS:24 Basically they're the busiest districts25 25 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 we have, the targeted districts. We have2 obviously everything in Southwest3 Philadelphia pretty much, the 16th, 18th,4 19th and the 12th, the 22nd District.5 You also have the 35th, the 14th and the6 39th and 24, 25 and the 1st -- I mean,7 the 3rd District down in South Philly.8
So a lot9 of them, okay. Now, you say about the10 additional personnel from the specialized11 units into patrol units. Are they some12 of the same areas you're talking about13 for the spring and summer?14 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS: Yes,15 Councilman, they are. Pretty much we try16 to keep them in some of our busiest17 areas, and right now, as the Commissioner18 may have indicated, we started that a19 little earlier. We started that in April20 of this year instead of just the summer21 deployment to augment our forces out22 there.23
Okay.24 Also in the testimony you talk about25 26 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Temple University's Criminal Justice2 Department working on studies and3 particularly the effectiveness of foot4 patrols. What came out of that?5 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS:6 Well, as you may recall, we started that7 project initially in 2009 where Temple8 came on board after the fact and did a9 little kind of a cursory study. We10 decided in the forefront to do the same11 thing in 2010 where we brought Temple on12 board to measure it from the outset to13 help us determine what some of the14 problem corners were, and what we did15 was, as a result of this project, we were16 able to determine that comparing it to17 some of the comparison areas -- a lot of18 technical stuff that goes into doing19 this -- but it's a 22 percent reduction20 in violent crime that came from that, as21 well as reductions in property crime,22 increases in narcotics arrests, as well23 as some of the intangible things that24 come out of it. We did officer surveys25 27 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 to kind of glean from them exactly what2 we believe or what they believe was3 essential in terms of going forward. We4 also got some very positive feedback from5 some community folks, who it was very6 refreshing to see that when we had to7 pull some of them back, they were8 actually asked for by name, some of the9 foot beat officers. So that just goes to10 show how they touched a lot of the people11 in the community. So we're very positive12 about that.13
I know14 the community particularly feels very15 strongly about foot patrols --16 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS:17 That's correct.18
-- and19 their effectiveness.20 Just one more question on the21 overtime issue. Does a lot of that22 reduction have to do with court time or23 are there other places that particularly24 have --25 28 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: It's a2 combination, court and certainly watching3 the just day-to-day expenditure of4 overtime. We meet every other week. On5 Fridays after our morning briefing,6 Inspector Flacco comes in, and he can7 break it down to us in terms of where we8 are with the spending in various units9 within the Department.10 Now, occasionally, we'll have11 something like a flash mob incident from12 just a week ago, two weeks ago. That's13 unanticipated, where you have to hold14 people over or bring people in early,15 that sort of thing. But we even track16 that, so that when we're having this17 conversation now or several months from18 now, we can point specifically to the19 incident that caused the spike on a20 particular date. So it's really a21 combination of watching all different22 aspects of overtime.23
Now,24 speaking of flash mob, I know you've25 29 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 talked about that issue before here. How2 do you feel -- I know you do a lot of3 monitoring. You feel you have that as4 much under control as you can? I know5 you never know when something is going to6 happen.7 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: It's a8 day-to-day battle, but we've been very9 fortunate. We've had parents and we've10 had youngsters that have actually let us11 know that there was something going on.12 It's hard -- you can't monitor all these13 social networks constantly, but14 fortunately, we have people that have15 stepped up to let us know that there's16 something going on that's going to cause17 us problems, and that's been very, very18 helpful to get a jump on it. It doesn't19 mean it will happen every time, but at20 least it has happened on several21 occasions, and that's good.22
Great.23 Actually, one more. The mounted patrol,24 is that about the same as you've had25 30 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 before?2 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes.3 Well, the mounted patrol, as you know,4 we're in the process of re-establishing5 the Mounted Unit. We have five mounts6 right now. We have a group of officers7 that are getting refresher training this8 week. A group went last week. We're9 working with the Police Foundation.10 They're spearheading a fundraising drive11 to get us off the ground to build the12 stables and to support the first two13 years of funding for the Mounted Unit.14 So we're very optimistic that15 we'll be able to get the unit fully up16 and operational within the next couple of17 years, but by this fall, we actually18 should have a fair number of mounts out19 on the street.20
Okay.21 Great. Thank you.22 Thank you, Madam President.23 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:24 You're welcome.25 31 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 The Chair recognizes Councilman2 Jones.3
Thank you,4 Madam President.5 Good morning.6 (Good morning.)7
I want to8 publicly recognize, this is the year of9 recognition of progress when I think it10 is warranted, because we have no problems11 citing things that we think need12 improvement. But I want to thank you and13 the brass and management of the Police14 Department for swiftly dealing with the15 issue of police brutality. It might be16 almost counterintuitive for a17 Commissioner to run into the fray and18 deal with an issue head on, but whether19 it was at churches, whether it was at20 barber shop tours, which we went on with21 you, whether it was at the hearing that22 Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller put forth23 on the issue, you and the management of24 the Police Department were all a part of25 32 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 trying to create corrective actions and2 solutions and lessons learned, and some3 of those things have resulted in proposed4 legislation. Some of those realizations5 have resulted in corrective actions6 towards officers, where warranted, and I7 think has begun to restore some of the8 confidence that the police are in the9 community and there to help the10 citizenry. So I thank you for that. 12 I want to segue a bit into13 school violence. I read in the newspaper14 that the Mayor and you are considering15 placing armed police officers in some of16 our schools. In the 4th District, we17 have been, along with the 3rd District,18 which is Councilwoman Blackwell's19 district, we've been experiencing an20 uptick in juvenile violent activities and21 occurrences. Now, compared to when I was22 a youngster at Overbrook, we had armed23 police officers at Overbrook at that24 time, and Officer Starks -- I remember25 33 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 him -- who is now retired, he was the2 Clint Eastwood of our school. 8 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well,9 thank you, Councilman. This is a very10 important issue, and I understand the11 controversy, if you will, surrounding12 having police officers formally assigned13 to the schools. Ultimately this will be14 a decision that will be made, the Mayor15 working with Superintendent Ackerman and16 others, to decide whether or not this is17 appropriate. I personally feel that the18 time has come for this to occur. 21 We do have police officers now22 that are assigned to some of our more23 problematic schools. Some are full time,24 although the majority are not, but some25 34 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 are full time and some move between2 schools. 8 I think what's important is9 that we carefully select the people who10 would be assigned to this duty. We do11 not need people who have an attitude of12 going in, locking up kids and all the13 kinds of things that would go along with14 that. Obviously if there's a serious15 crime or something committed, that's16 different. 19 We need people with the right20 attitude. 25 35 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 When you read that week-long2 series that appeared in the Inquirer, I3 think it did a lot to highlight the4 severity of the problem in our schools,5 and it's not going to get better on its6 own. We have to re-establish control and7 create a safe environment. 15 We're in the process of looking16 at what that would look like. 20 When I served in the District of21 Columbia, the Metropolitan Police22 Department was charged with the23 responsibility back in 2005 to take over24 security for the DC public schools that25 36 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 were in the same or similar situation we2 find ourselves here in Philadelphia, and3 it's worked out very, very well. 6 So this isn't something that7 can be done in isolation. 16
I welcome17 your involvement in the stabilization of18 the educational environment. The jury is19 still out about armed police officers20 inside the school. I think that a21 combination of responses might be22 something that you participate in. One23 of them is obviously working with the24 principals and teachers, but I would also25 37 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 encourage more involvement from the2 parents and from the community.3 I had an opportunity to go down4 in Councilman Clarke's district, and5 Everett Gillison was down there with us,6 and his district, like my district and7 like many other districts around the8 City, is going through a community9 cultural issue, and I don't know if we10 can police our way out of it. I think11 stabilizing the situation from time to12 time is necessary, but there needs to be13 an exit strategy as opposed to an14 occupying force, that we need to occupy15 the schools with a positive influence.16 And I don't know how that happens. I17 don't have the answer to it today, but I18 am very concerned that some of our19 schools have been designed by the same20 architects that have designed prisons.21 Some of our schools because of the22 violence that comes from the community --23 we're not acting like it was parachuted24 down by martians. There is a culture of25 38 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 where you have to go through metal2 detectors. I mean, this is the kind of3 thing that I'm very, very, very concerned4 about and look to you and look to our own5 resources within the community to try to6 manage our way out of.7 So we welcome the help to8 stabilize it, but I don't know -- it's9 like taking over a country. I don't know10 if we're going to be there forever and11 want us to gain control of the schools12 and then figure a -- "sustainable" is the13 word Deputy Mayor Gillison likes to14 use -- a sustainable way to transition to15 some kind of community management.16 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well,17 just let me say again that I realize that18 we have to do this in partnership with19 others and there has to be a strong20 collaboration in order for this to work,21 but the reality is is that the schools22 have been taken over in many cases. Not23 all schools. Many of our schools run24 just fine and don't need this kind of25 39 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 intervention, but there are some schools2 that are right now being run by gang3 members and others that would do harm to4 other children, assault staff and so5 forth, and that is simply unacceptable,6 period, and we need to be in a position7 to take action in those instances where8 it's necessary. And it's not one size9 fits all. Not every school is in need of10 that, but there are some that are. And11 we need to do so in collaboration. And12 then down the road once things are13 stabilized, then obviously we'd have that14 discussion around any adjustments that15 need to be made in security. I'm16 certainly not proposing that this be a17 permanent thing, because I'd like to18 think it works and you don't need it19 anymore, so then we can go about doing20 something else.21
Well, in the22 case of the 4th District -- and I can't23 speak for any other district -- I'd like24 to have a collaborative effort that25 40 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 involves the community, involves2 parent-teachers associations. So as we3 walk this path, that people are eyes wide4 open and understand the consequences,5 because the unintended consequences are6 the ones that it is better to explain in7 the front end than have to explain over a8 bad occurrence.9 So if we could work together10 with our offices and parent-teachers11 associations that are already out there12 to figure out which schools, to figure13 out what the threshold of violence is or14 lack of control in the school, that we15 kind of all work together to address it,16 I think that at the end of the day, it17 will be the kind of decision that we18 collectively make that we can all stand19 behind as we go forward.20 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Thank21 you, sir, and certainly I look forward to22 working along with you and others as we23 begin to try to figure out what we need24 to do to make our schools safer for our25 41 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 kids.2 One final thought on this.3 When you talk about armed police officers4 in schools and so forth, I tend to think5 of the Police Athletic League, where6 we've got 33 armed police officers around7 the City working in locations with young8 people on a daily basis and making a huge9 difference, and they aren't seen as just10 cops. They're role models, they're11 mentors, they're a positive influence12 with our children, and I would like to13 think that the same thing can be14 accomplished if we do get involved more15 deeply in security for the schools.16
Appreciate17 it.18 Segueing, my last question is,19 we're doing an Aging in a New Age20 conference in conjunction with WHYY to21 talk about the paradigm of aging in22 Philadelphia and graying in Philadelphia,23 and we're asking each department to kind24 of take a look at, with fresh eyes, the25 42 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 concept of aging, and in your case with2 the law enforcement and the Police3 Department, crimes against seniors and4 how they are evolving with the5 possibility of naturally occurring aging6 communities and how we address that, also7 from everything from what happens by way8 of home invasions and are they on a tick9 up. I had distress of reading about home10 invasions and particularly targeted11 against seniors to see if there is a12 pattern with that. Also some softer13 crimes, but nonetheless harmful, that14 Councilman Greenlee has addressed in many15 ways, which is deeds and fraudulent16 transference of deeds. We've heard17 nightmare stories in these Chambers about18 people walking on hospital wards, looking19 at people that are ill and incapacitated20 and actually trying to falsely transfer21 deeds.22 So we want -- we would ask you23 and your department to participate in24 that, and what we hope to do is come out25 43 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 of that with a white paper, an action2 plan, whether it is to deal with things3 administratively or addressing them4 through loopholes in laws that can be5 helpful and particularly for this6 vulnerable population.7 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well,8 thank you, sir, and we certainly will9 participate, and as one of those10 individuals aging in Philadelphia myself,11 I look forward to it. Thank you.12
Thank you,13 Madam President.14 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:15 You're welcome.16 The Chair recognizes Councilman17 Green.18
Thank you,19 Madam Chair. For once I get to say, I20 hope I get that Curtis Jones type time21 for questioning.22 So good morning.23 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Good24 morning.25 44 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Not at all.4 Not at all. Just asking for equal5 treatment with Councilman Jones.6 I'm just curious -- this is not7 really related to any of the questions8 that I have for you, but on April 28th,9 we'll be having hearings with LEHB, which10 is the Law Enforcement Health Benefits11 group that runs the health insurance for12 sworn officers, I think only sworn13 officers. I don't think it includes14 civilians, but I could be wrong about15 that. At any rate, it is a model of16 efficiency in terms of the way health17 insurance is run in the City of18 Philadelphia. It appears to me to be the19 best model that we have in the City,20 based on the work we've done, in terms of21 how much they're able to actually save22 the City as a consequence of going back23 and challenging what the insurers or24 doctors or hospitals have charged us.25 45 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Are all of you as sworn2 officers, do you deal through LEHB or are3 you in the exempt plan?4 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: I'm in5 the exempt plan, but I believe the others6 are all in the same sworn plan.7
Well, you're8 a sworn officer also, aren't you,9 Commissioner?10 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes, but11 I --12
I recommend13 you look into LEHB, because the benefits14 are far greater with much lower15 deductibles and at about the same cost as16 the rest of City employees. So if I were17 a sworn officer and could take advantage18 of that, I can tell you I would.19 DEPUTY
Councilman23 Greenlee asked some questions about24 technology and foot patrols and other25 46 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 things, and I'm just wondering, are there2 specific metrics being used to measure3 the effectiveness of the approaches you4 noted like foot patrols, like some of the5 things that you guys have talked about at6 past budget hearings, offender-focused7 tactics, police/community problem-solving8 interventions? Do we have a comparison9 of where that is existing in another10 neighborhood where we don't do that but11 had similar background statistics?12 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS:13 Absolutely, Councilman. In fact, that14 was part of the measurement that was used15 in using like areas to determine the16 effectiveness of the foot patrols, as17 well as other SMART policing tactics that18 we use. So the Temple experiment19 actually required that we grid out a20 similar type area, whether it be two by21 two, three by three block areas, and we22 measure that so that we can get an23 accurate account and reflection of how24 successful it would be. Obviously it25 47 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 would be futile if we measured a busy2 area versus an area that is less busy.3 So that's one of the criteria that was4 used.5 And so we used X amount of6 comparison groups to make that7 determination, but we didn't stop there.8 We also -- you're familiar with our9 CompStat process and we call it crime10 briefing. We grid out those particular11 foot beat areas as well, not only to12 measure for the City and the commanders13 in question in terms of how successful it14 would be, but it was also nice to take it15 the next step where we brought a couple16 of those foot beat officers down and17 showed them their particular grid that18 they walked, and it was very satisfying19 for some of those foot beat officers to20 see, particularly in particular21 timeframes, how effective they were22 being.23 So, I mean, we used a myriad of24 measurements to actually determine how25 48 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 successful we would be, most of it2 dealing with the SMART policing concept3 that you're alluding to.4
Right. So5 specifically, though, I'm sort of6 wondering -- obviously we can see the7 impact in reduction on crime, but I'm8 also wondering about outcomes in terms of9 resources other than the foot patrol10 officer that otherwise don't have to go11 in to that area in terms of saving12 resources for other areas where13 there's --14 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS:15 Absolutely.16
Have you17 measured that? Have you measured the18 sort of like this year we had to put this19 many resources into a specific area, like20 two years ago, last year we only had to21 send in patrol cars for crimes 300 times22 versus 3,000 times -- I'm sure it's not23 that dramatic -- and so those resources24 were available to deploy other places in25 49 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the City, saving, or we had -- what kind2 of savings are available or what kind of3 officer man hours we essential freed up4 for the rest of the City because of the5 foot patrols there? In other words, in6 terms of measuring a return on investment7 of focusing resources like that so that8 we can say, You know what, this makes9 tremendous amount of sense, we can show a10 return for each foot patrolman we put out11 there in terms of the resources available12 to other areas of the City essentially13 without increasing costs or even with a14 slight increase in sworn officers that15 were responding to other calls more16 quickly, et cetera, et cetera. I mean,17 if you haven't done that kind of18 analysis, I'd be very interested in you19 sort of looking at that for next year's20 budget so that we can really talk about21 let's invest in more of this so that we22 have resources available for the other23 areas of the City type analysis.24 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS: I25 50 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 mean, it's a great question, Councilman,2 and in terms of exact manpower hours, I3 can't give you a number for that, and4 it's something that warrants study in the5 future, but I will tell you anecdotally6 that clearly when we grid out a7 particular area and those officers are8 there for an extended period of time,9 particularly when they're there for one10 or two shifts and they have counter11 officers that walk the same beat, you12 know, clearly the community and some of13 the people who are less desirable really14 get an understanding that these officers15 are going to be here, and not only are16 they going to be here, they're going to17 get to know who the, quote/unquote,18 players are, who the good people are,19 which is Commissioner Ramsey's edict, and20 obviously that's very, very important.21 But also we also always talk about how22 we're able to offset the resources, what23 you alluded to previously, in terms of24 our citywide resources as well as some of25 51 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 our tactical resources in the district.2 I don't have the actual3 manpower numbers for you, but I can tell4 you that when those officers are there5 for a significant amount of time, that it6 clearly makes a difference.7
Yeah. I8 understand the anecdotal. Just looking9 forward I wonder if we could actually10 study it.11 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yeah. I12 think, one, that's a great question, and,13 yes, we will, because when you have the14 foot patrol officers, for an example, to15 answer calls, you don't have to use your16 motorized patrol units to the same17 extent. They can do other things. Units18 that are mission-oriented, such as19 Highway Patrol and Strike Force, we don't20 have to use them as much in a given area.21 So we save on that. They can do other22 things.23 You raised the right -- you're24 asking the right questions, and these are25 52 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the kinds of things that I think will2 have some very positive results when we3 begin to show it.4 The one intangible, though,5 that's going to be a little more6 difficult to measure, although we could7 even do this through surveys, the citizen8 attitude towards the police in those9 target areas, because they do get to know10 the officers. And all of our new11 recruits, by the way, you mentioned12 earlier, Madam President, the 120, they13 all start on foot patrol. Every police14 officer that comes to us starts on foot15 patrol. Don't even think about getting a16 car for that first year or so. I want17 them out there on foot. I want them to18 know the community. I want them out19 there doing just good old-fashioned20 police work that involves making positive21 contact with the community.22 I think we created a whole23 generation of cops that got in cars,24 rolled up windows and just did 30 miles25 53 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 an hour up and down streets and never got2 to know the people that they're serving,3 and that's just flat-out wrong. So the4 way to do it is by foot patrol, and you5 get a lot of side benefits as a result of6 that. And we'll take and peel back the7 layers of the onion, Councilman, and8 really take a look and see, because I9 think you raised some interesting points,10 that we need to actually get credit for11 it, quite frankly, because if it's good12 stuff happening, we're kind of13 shortchanging ourselves when we don't14 look at it and show you clearly the15 benefits.16
Thank you.17 Along those or sort of similar lines, I18 think it was two years ago we talked19 about Oklahoma City and I think it's20 Alameda, California and other places21 where the officers basically have22 handheld devices, can fill out all their23 reports, without going back to the24 station, on a secure network that is25 54 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 controlled by the Police Department or2 controlled by the particular city, and3 studies have demonstrated that without4 officers having to go back and forth into5 the district, it has increased police6 presence by 20 to 24 percent in cities7 that have done that.8 Can you talk about our plans to9 roll that out in the City of Philadelphia10 and whether or not you've had a chance to11 talk to any of the chiefs in other12 jurisdictions that have successfully13 implemented this?14 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes, sir.15 I have been able to speak to other chiefs16 from jurisdictions that have this kind of17 technology. They tend to be the smaller18 or medium size, but it can be done in a19 big jurisdiction, too.20 One of the things that has to21 happen is, one, our wireless network has22 to be shored up to a point where it could23 handle the volume, because we are such a24 large agency. There's also some25 55 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 encryption issues that are being2 addressed right now, because we have to3 be SEGUS compliant to meet the state4 standards of being able to transmit data5 wirelessly but in an encrypted6 environment, and we are working on all7 those kinds of things now.8 I'm a huge believer in9 technology. The more we have, the10 better. We're now working with Traffic11 Court to be able to print our moving12 violations electronically. We're getting13 the license plate readers so that we can14 scan for hot cars and things of that15 nature. I would like to see a records16 management system where an officer takes17 the report, wirelessly transmit it to a18 supervisor for review and then it goes19 into the central database. All those20 things are things that we are working on.21 And in addition to that, as an22 aside, I'm the President of Major City23 Police Chiefs, and we've taken a very24 strong stand with the FCC around getting25 56 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 bandwidth set aside for law enforcement2 across this country in the 700 megahertz3 range. That will give us the bandwidth4 we need to be able to do a lot of things5 that need to happen. The President has6 signed off on it. I think in his budget7 $4 billion has been set aside to build8 out the infrastructure.9 All those kinds of things are10 going to make a difference for police11 across the country, because we didn't12 even talk about streaming video and all13 the other things that can happen as a14 result of these advances in technology,15 which will save on man hours, efficiency.16 I mean, it's just incredible what it will17 do once it's up and fully operational.18
And really19 not -- hopefully it will just make the20 police more effective and more responsive21 rather than -- that's the kind of22 efficiency we're looking for, is23 productivity increases so that we can24 respond more quickly when people need25 57 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 police officers. And do you have any2 kind of estimate as to once we roll out3 the wireless network, you do allow people4 to file reports electronically from the5 street? I understand the necessary6 supervisor step, but do you have any7 estimate of how much it can increase8 police man hours on the street?9 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: I don't10 have anything right now, but that's one11 of the things that we would have to take12 a look at, how long it normally takes for13 an officer to complete a report, how long14 it would take if you've got an arrest15 situation. I know we do video16 arraignments now. That has saved a17 tremendous amount. We don't have to take18 people down any longer. But that's all19 things that we'd have to take a look at,20 where are we now, you process, map it.21 We're doing it now on a manual system,22 but then where will we get the23 efficiencies and what used to take maybe24 an hour takes a half an hour, or25 58 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 whatever, it took two hours, could now2 take one hour. We've not really figured3 all that out yet.4
Well, to the5 extent you're looking for it -- and I6 know probably we'll have to come back to7 Council for some of the funding for stuff8 like that. To the extent you can9 estimate some measurable productivity10 increase in terms of man hours on the11 street, I think that would allow me to12 help you advocate for this funding, which13 I want to do.14 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Will do,15 sir.16
Also, I'd17 like to commend you and your18 Communications Director for what I read19 about on Technically Philly a few months20 ago, your increased focus on technology,21 including tip gathering and Google22 calendars to provide information about23 community meetings and your new website,24 and I just wanted to give you the25 59 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 opportunity to talk about that, what kind2 of impact do you think it's had on3 policing, has it led to tips that you4 wouldn't have otherwise gotten.5 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes, sir.6 We've actually -- our website,7 phillypolice.com, we have gotten some8 tips. We started something maybe I think9 it's three weeks ago now called Video10 Villains where it's very common now when11 you watch the news, you see the video of12 somebody committing a robbery or an13 assault or what-have-you. We're getting14 that out now in a more timely fashion,15 and certainly it's available on our16 website for people to review. It's not17 based on the seriousness of the crime.18 It's actually based right now on clarity19 of the video, because we still recover a20 lot of videos that the clarity is very21 poor and you really can't make anything22 out. But a lot of it now is very, very23 good. So now you can not only look at24 the current ones, but you can go back25 60 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 historically and look at some of the2 other videos that we've got.3 We also are in the process of4 putting together photographs of people5 wanted for crimes like homicide, rape and6 so forth, and we're going to be showing7 that actually up on State Road in the8 Penitentiary. I mean, a lot of these9 guys know the other guys that are out10 here doing wrong, and, again, working11 through the District Attorney, should12 they provide valuable information, it may13 impact the case that they have. So we're14 using technology that way as well.15 We started something with our16 roll calls where now we've got the flat17 screen TV and a PC hooked up, so it's18 specific to that district and their19 particular people that are wanted for20 various crimes, and that's constantly21 being scrolled through during roll calls22 to be able to do it. We put good news23 stories out. We put -- we're getting24 into Facebook now. We have a Facebook25 61 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 page, Twitter. There's so many different2 sites now.3 You know, I'm kind of a 20th4 century guy. I still got one foot firmly5 planted in the 20th century and trying to6 get the other one in the 21st. So some7 of this stuff I don't understand, but8 Karima Zedan, who is sitting behind me9 here, and her staff have been10 instrumental in really pushing us out11 there, and if you visit our website, I12 think you'll like what you see.13
Yes. So in14 2008 and 2009 and I think again last15 year, we talked about special units, and16 generally you've been saying there are17 still too many special units and you're18 working to reduce the number of those to19 make more officers available for patrol.20 Can you tell us where that stands? Are21 you satisfied with the progress we've22 made there? Is there much more progress23 to make?24 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: I don't25 62 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 know if there's a lot more to make. I2 think the units we have now are units3 that all obviously fill a very important4 function, but what we have done is, I've5 drawn from those special units for our6 spring/summer crime-fighting efforts,7 beginning April 4th, I believe it was,8 was the first day where we had a group of9 officers from these units and detectives.10 They're going to be assigned to uniform11 patrol and they're assigned to detective12 divisions for a 90-day period. The end13 of that 90 days they come back, and the14 other half of the unit goes out to do the15 same thing, so that we can bolster our16 presence out on the street.17 We still need Highway Patrol,18 Traffic Division, Strike Force,19 Narcotics. I mean, we have a lot of20 issues here we need to address. Those21 with redundant missions are the ones that22 I was referring to before, and those we23 did do away with or absorb elsewhere. So24 I'm pretty comfortable with that, but25 63 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 right now we're just trying to do what we2 can with what we have and use the3 specialized people to help bolster4 uniform patrol.5
Thank you.6 Mr. Chair, I have additional7 questions, but I'll yield at this time8 and come back. Thank you.9
Thank you,10 Councilman.11 Councilman Clarke is actually12 next. It has nothing to do with him13 sitting up here as opposed to in his14 seat. He just happens to be in the15 ranking.16 Good morning.17 (Good morning.)18
I just had19 a couple of quick questions, one of them20 a followup. On the casino district, I21 was wondering if you can give me the22 statistics of the various tiers of23 crimes, primarily car break-ins, the24 things that we heard during the course of25 64 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the casino debate prior to the opening of2 the casino and the most up-to-date3 statistics. And if you don't have them4 now, I'll understand, but I'd like to be5 able to show --6
On your11 question, I think I understood him to say12 that there was $3 million towards that13 specific endeavor and that was for 1214 officers, which in my Council math says15 250 per officer, and if you could find16 out if I was right or off base with that.17 Thank you.18
That's an19 addendum to the question.20 Basically, the financial21 implications that the Councilman just22 brought up, and I did hear you reference23 that, to some degree, but what I'd like24 to know -- if you have it now, that's25 65 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 fine, and if you can get it to me --2 basically prior to casino opening, post3 casino opening, what those numbers are.4 Just visually I don't see a significant5 amount of change other than a parking lot6 full of cars, but I really don't see7 those impacts and the crime and some of8 the other statistics.9 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Sure. We10 can get to you the actual numbers of11 crimes committed in and around the casino12 itself. We've not seen a significant13 spike. There have been some car14 break-ins. There have been some15 robberies that have taken place that16 obviously made the paper with people who17 had won and then were later robbed. But18 it actually has not been as bad as we19 thought it would be initially. So we've20 been able to stay on top of it.21 As far as the $3 million go,22 there are a detail of 12 people that we23 use, but these aren't the same people.24 We rotate people in and out, because25 66 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 obviously you got days off, you got other2 considerations. Sometimes we have to3 augment with additional people where4 we've had periods of time where the5 Traffic Unit has had to come in for6 traffic control issues, although that,7 again, because of where it's located, we8 have not had the kind of traffic problems9 we originally had anticipated. But10 that's the money set aside.11 With this being as new as it12 is, we weren't quite sure exactly what we13 would need in terms of overtime. The14 goal is not to spend all the money. The15 goal is to spend what we need to spend16 and only what we need to spend, and I17 think in future years, we can have a more18 realistic projection in terms of overtime19 that would be used specifically for that20 purpose. But I think everybody was21 anticipating a lot more activity and a22 lot more issues and problems around the23 casinos when they first opened up, but so24 far, we have a very good working25 67 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 relationship with the people from the2 casino itself, the community and others.3 And we've had some issues, but it really4 has not been the like huge spike.5 Rich, you want to add anything?6 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS: No.7 Councilman, in fact, we've got some8 feedback from residents in the 26th9 District over there that they were10 pleasantly surprised. I mean, you know11 about that first day where it was very12 chaotic, where folks were parking just13 about anywhere, and we put an end to that14 legally, but for folks who parked15 illegally, they were ticketed, and I16 think the message was sent very quickly.17 We've had some minor incidents18 in and around the parking lot, most of19 which we were successful in solving and20 making apprehensions on right away. But21 from Mike Cram in that district, we've22 gotten a lot of positive feedback about23 the policing in and around the area. I24 had an extensive conversation with the25 68 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 head of security there, our former Chief2 Inspector, Tony DiLacqua, and he tells me3 that his executives there are more than4 happy with the Philadelphia Police5 Department and their response to issues6 there.7
Thank you.8 Commissioner.9 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: I just10 want to add one quick thing that Deputy11 Gaittens just brought to my attention12 while we were sitting here apparently.13 Dr. Radcliffe from Temple University is14 watching the broadcast and stated that15 he's in the process now of looking at16 crime around the casinos and the impact17 that it's had. So it would be something18 coming out, which is even better than us19 looking at it, from an independent third20 party taking a look and looking at the21 issues. I didn't know that, but that's22 good.23
Good. All24 right. Thank you. As soon as we can get25 69 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 those statistics, the better. I've been2 in a couple of meetings recently, and3 actually one of the leading opponents of4 the casinos acknowledged privately that5 it did not turn out the way he had6 anticipated as it related to problems for7 the surrounding community.8 Second thing, the PSAs. First,9 I want to commend you on the advent of10 the PSAs within I know in my district, in11 the Hartranft community area, and it's12 been extremely successful. I think it's13 actually been even more successful than14 anticipated, because we were fortunate15 enough to have Officer Tyshaan Williams,16 who has been great. I found that in17 spite of the fact that as reported, there18 is a significant number of individuals,19 government workers, involved. We20 actually had an appreciation dinner the21 other night that Tyshaan put together for22 the municipal workers and the community,23 and it turned out well and the people are24 really working together over there.25 70 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 My question is that given the2 success of that particular model -- and I3 know there's discussions about expanding4 the process -- are we looking at the --5 and, again, this is a somewhat detailed6 question. Are we looking at the7 financial impact as it relates to that8 targeted area, the lessening of the9 number of calls; i.e., 9-1-1, other10 issues related to municipal functions?11 Because just visually I see a significant12 drop on the problem. At least the13 perception is that there's a reduction14 because of the great proactive work15 that's being done over there, and if16 that's factual, will we be looking at17 accelerating the pace of that expansion18 of that particular program?19 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes, sir.20 There are two things. PSAs, which stands21 for Police Service Areas, has already22 expanded citywide. That is a citywide23 project. Officer Williams was actually24 in a meeting -- every other week, we have25 71 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 a meeting with the various divisions2 around the Police Service Area3 implementation. There are crime-fighting4 strategies, there are problem-solving5 plans and the like, and Officer Williams6 was at the last meeting and we talked7 extensively about -- I mean, I wish I8 could clone him. I mean, he's that good.9
He's great.10 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: He is11 absolutely fantastic. But the whole idea12 is to have lieutenant, sergeant and X13 number of officers assigned on a regular14 basis to a Police Service Area, where15 they get to know the community, get to16 know people who are there to help them,17 people who are out here causing harm, all18 the various nuances of that particular19 community. Officer Williams is an20 outstanding example of that.21 We're already doing that22 citywide, and we've been monitoring. I23 think you're referring to Philly Rising,24 which is the effort that's underway25 72 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 through the Managing Director's Office2 that coordinates all the City resources,3 not just Police.4
Correct.5 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: But also6 Mental Health, L&I, Streets, all of them7 working together to correct some of the8 conditions that actually help support9 crime in the sense of creating an10 environment that's conducive to certain11 kinds of criminal activity.12 We've got a couple pilots going13 now. I don't know if the Deputy Mayor14 wants to speak more to that particular15 issue or not, but that is what's being16 rolled out and what's being expanded, and17 the goal is to make it a citywide effort.18 But that is going to be measured. We are19 going to be looking at 3-1-1 calls,20 police calls that come in, all kinds of21 things to see are we really having an22 impact and are we really making a23 difference in those communities that have24 been impacted by the Philly Rising25 73 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 program.2 DEPUTY
Thank3 you, Councilman. Everett Gillison,4 Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.5 The Philly Rising matter, just6 as the Commissioner has said and I think7 what you're talking about, we have four8 models now that we have up and running,9 four pilots. One, obviously we're10 continuing with the first one. That11 started over a year ago before we even12 called it Philly Rising, but we knew what13 we wanted to do and we went in to try to14 get the thing done and to prove the model15 worked. We've now expanded it. We're16 now in Councilman Jones' district in the17 4th, over in the 19th District. We are18 also in the 15th Police District out by19 Kensington and we are using downtown20 because of its unique problems. We're21 looking for trying to make sure our model22 of how we engage the community -- and23 however that's defined. In different24 areas of the City, the community is25 74 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 different. The downtown one is primarily2 a business district with some residential3 on the back side. But we're trying to4 make sure that the model works, that we5 can bring the City resources to bear on6 this issue in a sustainable way to solve7 the problem, and that's what we're trying8 to do.9 So, yes, we have it in those10 four pilot areas. It is our hope that11 once we continue to refine the model and12 to make sure that we have the right13 people always engaging the problem at the14 right time, that we will take it to other15 areas that are usually started by the16 Police making recommendations, then17 working with the community, where we're18 going to go, and also getting input from,19 quite frankly, Councilpeople, as we did20 with you when we first started to sit21 back and say, This is where we are going22 to go, this is how we're going to try and23 deal with additional issues that we have24 found and to make sure that we can25 75 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 continue moving this model forward.2
Okay.3 Yeah. The reason why I reference it as4 PSA, that's the way it started out.5 DEPUTY
That's6 correct.7 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: No. It8 did, yes, sir.9 DEPUTY
Now10 we've actually -- we've got almost a year11 and we're almost into this now by 13, 14,12 almost 15 months, and it's Philly Rising13 and it's -- we're at the point now where14 we have routinized what we're doing and15 making sure that the model that we are16 bringing to bear on the problem and the17 area, the geographic area we're trying to18 target, that's what we're trying to deal19 with. So you have Philly Rising20 neighborhoods now that are sprouting up.21
We actually22 did this like 15, 16, it was called23 Partners for Progress and it was a24 similar approach. It was successful, ran25 76 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 out money. You know, so the story goes,2 but we just couldn't sustain it. So I3 guess I can talk to you later on about a4 target.5 The Mayor and myself were at a6 community meeting Saturday. It was a7 similar situation. It was a myriad of8 problems, public safety, all the other9 quality of life issues, and both he and I10 promised that we would come back and talk11 about it. So it would be good if we can12 look at that particular area.13 DEPUTY
I just16 imagine, because he showed me a card when17 I saw him later on that night with a list18 of issues.19 One last question.20 Commissioner, you may have -- I see you21 have your lawyer here, so this is22 somewhat of a legal question. In terms23 of your response to an arrest -- well,24 let me start out, in terms of laws, I25 77 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 know that the state constitution governs2 the laws as it relates to the Crimes Code3 in the State of Pennsylvania, and then we4 in the City of Philadelphia on occasion5 have decided that we were going to go6 outside of the constitutional7 Pennsylvania box and implement gun laws8 in particular. We have recently passed9 and the Mayor signed based on information10 from our people, the legal department,11 that this was within the constitutional12 bounds of the City, this whole Florida13 Loophole.14 As the Police Commissioner, are15 you bound by solely the Pennsylvania16 state constitution as it relates to laws17 or can you follow laws as it relates to18 the City of Philadelphia that we believe19 are within the bounds of the -- so bottom20 line is, somebody gets caught with a gun21 walking around the street. They don't22 have a Pennsylvania permit to carry. Our23 people say it's not legal for him to do24 that. Can you make an arrest, one,25 78 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 without the District Attorney? Because I2 know that the District Attorney has a3 different viewpoint.4 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well,5 let's see. I don't think I can take the6 Fifth at this hearing, so let me refer to7 not only my Deputy Mayor but also a8 lawyer.9 We could confiscate guns and we10 could put them on the property, but11 whether or not a person can actually be12 charged and we can go through the whole13 process is a different, more technical14 legal issue that I would rather have a15 lawyer.16 DEPUTY MAYOR GILLISON:17 Councilman, again, Everett Gillison,18 Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.19 One of the things that I20 promised the City Solicitor I would not21 do, even though I am an attorney, is to22 act like an attorney at these matters.23 So I will defer on that, but I will say24 to you that some of the strategies and25 79 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 tactics in order to make sure that we get2 to where you and I believe we would like3 us to go necessarily doesn't always have4 to go through arrest, but can actually5 get us into the area by confiscation and6 by seeking and forcing return of property7 challenges and working with the other8 stakeholder in this matter, which is the9 District Attorney, to see exactly how he10 wants to proceed. Those issues are still11 being discussed, quite frankly, and we12 are going forward.13 The good thing is is that when14 someone is -- I haven't been informed by15 the Police Department we have found16 someone yet that is walking around with a17 gun that they only got as a result of the18 Florida Loophole, but we are proceeding19 along the path that we would end up20 confiscating the weapon and then forcing21 the return of property hearing, which22 would then allow us to be in court and23 then take the appropriate action as we go24 forward.25 80 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 So there's always different2 ways legally to skin the cat without3 having to get to that ultimate question,4 without getting to the District5 Attorney's Office and see exactly how he6 wants to do it, whether it's by arrest or7 whether we would just use this as a8 return of property challenge and go from9 there.10
And I don't11 want people to misunderstand. I'm not12 necessarily looking to have a person13 arrested, because there are various14 levels of charges. It could be a summary15 offense.16 DEPUTY
But there19 is actually a gentleman that called the20 District Attorney's Office and he had a21 Florida permit, and we all know him22 in-house, that said that he wants to be23 arrested because he's challenging the24 law. He then contacted the Police25 81 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Department, same individual, and says he2 has this gun, Florida permit, he's3 carrying the weapon, he wants us to4 arrest him because he's challenging the5 law. Then he contacted my office and6 told the folks that he's coming to my7 office and he wanted to have me arrested.8 DEPUTY
I would9 suggest that why don't we discuss our way10 of handling that after we get finished11 this. I'd be rather interested by12 putting it in the position I think we'd13 be in very solid grounds as we go14 forward.15
Okay.16 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: But let17 me just take time to just thank you and18 members of the Council for trying to deal19 with this issue of gun violence and come20 up with some reasonable, sensible gun21 laws. I really do applaud you for doing22 it. Irrespective of where the23 Commonwealth may stand, as a city I think24 we're making the right moves.25 82 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Thank you.2 Thank you, Commissioner.3 Thank you, Madam President.4
I wanted10 to follow up on a couple of questions11 that Councilman Clarke asked, and the12 first is the PSA. Is the PSA structure13 model accomplishing what you wanted it to14 accomplish?15 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes,16 ma'am. And the PSAs, or Police Service17 Areas, will continue. It's separate from18 Philly Rising, was very much a part of19 Philly Rising, but one is not in place of20 the other. They do work together.21 I'm very pleased, more than I22 thought I would be, to be honest with23 you. When we have these meetings, which24 occur approximately every other25 83 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Wednesday, where we bring a division in,2 I'm very encouraged with the percentage3 of time that officers are able to stay in4 their assigned areas, get calls for5 service. It's 70, 75, in some cases 806 percent, which is much higher than what I7 had originally thought it would be.8 There have been numerous9 examples of, during the course of these10 meetings, of building relationships where11 we initially started off with three or12 four people at a meeting and now we're at13 30, 40. Eventually we'll get even higher14 in terms of turnout. That's a positive.15 And, again, I think also the16 responsibility that's placed on the17 lieutenants and the officers is something18 that -- I mean, they're stepping up to19 it, the action plans. The community is20 stepping up with its part in terms of21 working and trying to help resolve some22 of the issues.23 So, yeah, it's working well.24 It's always going to be a work in25 84 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 progress in a sense, but I'm very pleased2 with where we are right now.3
When you4 first came to Philadelphia, I believe5 there was, what, about 12 police6 districts that were -- was it 12 that7 were --8 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Nine. It9 was nine originally and now it's 12.10
All11 right. I actually want to -- when you12 talk about a decrease in crime in your13 testimony, I'd like to know if you could14 do a decrease or where crime is by area,15 by police district.16 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: We can17 provide you with that, ma'am.18 COUNCILWOMAN MILLER:19 Particularly those nine. Three of the20 nine were mine.21 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes.22
Okay.23 And with Philly Rising, it sounds like24 one of my questions was answered when you25 85 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 were talking -- when Deputy Mayor was2 talking to Councilman Clarke, and I think3 you said that you've been in the pilot4 area for 15 months; is that true?5 DEPUTY
Okay.8 And in the testimony, it says that these9 areas, these Philly Rising neighborhoods,10 are based on the most affected by crime11 and disorder. So my question was12 originally, how long do you stay when you13 go into an area, but you said --14 DEPUTY
The15 answer -- again, Everett Gillison, Deputy16 Mayor for Public Safety.17 The answer is is that we never18 leave. The way that we are trying to19 make sure that we handle this issue is20 not to have things start and end, but21 rather change the way that we actually22 handle the processes from how government23 responds. How the Police Department24 responds is a culture change to the25 86 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 community policing model. We're not just2 going to, as the Commissioner referenced3 earlier, get someone in a car and drive4 by at 30 miles an hour. That's a5 disconnect. There is a way to actually6 engage and stay engaged with the public,7 which is the heart and soul of community8 policing. Well, it's the heart and soul9 of how a city should respond as well.10 And that's why Philly Rising is not a11 start and end, it is a way of doing12 business that should change, and as we go13 forward, we'll be able to roll out.14 Now, we should be able to15 measure what our effects are across the16 board, and the Police have been able to17 show in the first area somewhere between18 a 12 and 18 percent drop in the Philly19 Rising area that we've been in the20 longest. It's those kind of metrics and21 measures that we are after. So each22 place we go in this model, as we apply23 the model to the area, we want to see24 what effect are we having, and that's25 87 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 going to be a way that we respond to2 those people in that area consistently.3 And that's why it's not just a start and4 an end; it's a way of doing business5 change that we're doing with the City of6 Philadelphia.7 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: If I8 could add one thing, ma'am. I think that9 one thing, just to add to what the Deputy10 Mayor is saying, is that at some point,11 there is a transition to a more12 maintenance type of way of dealing with13 issues than it is the initial infusion of14 resources, because once the issue -- same15 thing in PSAs. Once you correct the16 issue, which may take quite a bit of17 resource to do, once that's corrected,18 now you've got to be able to maintain it,19 and that's working with the community,20 because ultimately they're the ones that21 have to maintain the quality of a22 neighborhood, and also with the agencies23 that are there in support of the24 community.25 88 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 So you never leave, but you2 kind of transition into more of a3 maintenance mode, if you will, where you4 continue to provide resources, you5 continue to attack a problem, because in6 many instances, you don't -- when we7 teach in our problem-solving, total8 elimination of a problem is not always9 realistic, but you can have a positive10 impact on it and you can reduce the harm11 from the particular problem. And so it12 depends on what you're dealing with, but13 at some point you do have a maintenance.14 And you're always going to have some15 level of maintenance. You can never just16 totally pull all resources out of an17 area. So once you're there, you're18 there, just to varying degrees.19
Well,20 that's really good to hear, because then21 that's the difference between the22 Partners for Progress and the Operation23 Sunrise that Philadelphia used to have.24 In my district was where a young child25 89 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 was shot and the school crossing guard2 was also shot. You guys remember that.3 And there was a lot of attention to that4 area, like a 20,000-person anti-violence5 march and then came in and did all kinds6 of things in the area, and lots of people7 brought a lot of resources in the area,8 and then it stopped. But, of course, I9 don't -- part of it actually was my10 district and then Councilman Nutter's11 district, where the supposedly offenders12 lived. My district was where the folks13 were shot.14 So I don't really know what's15 happening in certain parts of the16 district, but I don't think -- I do17 believe that people have to continue to18 be involved, the people that live there.19 You can't resolve the issue if they're20 not involved in this.21 So I was just wondering, by22 neighborhood when you're going to expand,23 is there some type of date to expand?24 When are you coming to the 8th District?25 90 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 That's what I want to know.2 DEPUTY MAYOR GILLISON:3 Councilwoman, I am sure that we will be4 in touch. That's all I can say to you5 right now, but believe me, we'll be in6 touch.7
All8 right. Good.9 I have a couple more questions.10 You don't fund YVRP, do you, Youth11 Violence Reduction?12 DEPUTY
That's13 out of my office and the Managing14 Director's Office.15
That's16 going to continue?17 DEPUTY MAYOR GILLISON:18 Absolutely. We have -- there's some19 federal grants this year that are20 expiring, and the budget that has been21 proposed actually has -- the22 Administration is putting and covering23 that deficit. I believe it's up to $1.524 million. That's correct, $1.5 million25 91 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 we're suggesting in this budget that we2 put in in order to help fund YVRP.3
Okay. I4 have a couple more questions, but...5 That's it, Council President.6
I7 know that Councilwoman Blackwell wanted8 to be recognized, but she had to go to a9 meeting.10 The Chair recognizes Councilman11 Goode.12
Thank you,13 Madam President.14 Good morning, Commissioner, and15 good morning to the Deputy Mayor and the16 Deputy Commissioners.17 (Good morning.)18
First,19 congratulations on your success, and I20 wish you continued success.21 I was looking at the statistics22 contained within your testimony and I23 note that the homicide rate has gone down24 21.7 percent, but that the amount of25 92 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 shootings has gone down 6.9 percent. Can2 you reconcile that? I mean, is it a3 matter of --4 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes.5
Is it a6 matter of people not shooting to kill?7 Is it a matter of people having bad aim?8 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well, I9 think it's a couple things. One, and I10 have to say that we've got some of the11 best trauma centers in the world here in12 Philadelphia. They save a lot of lives13 here in Philadelphia. And I have to say14 that.15 If you look at our statistics16 this year, though, it's just the17 opposite. We're up slightly in18 homicides. Of course, we picked up eight19 in January with the Dr. Gosnell case.20 We're actually four over where we were21 last year if you took that away, but our22 shootings are actually down 10 percent.23 So the mortality rate is up. We're24 actually having more shootings where the25 93 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 intent is exactly to kill, head shots,2 multiple gunshots. We had an individual3 last week that was hit, I think, 10 or 124 times in the body, fortunately has not5 expired, but that shows the level of6 violence toward that particular7 individual. So we do monitor that very8 carefully.9 Retaliations are up slightly,10 and a lot of what we do when Deputy Ross11 is having his crime briefings, when we12 have a shooting, is look to see whether13 or not this is one that's probably going14 to result in some form of retaliation,15 and a lot of times you can anticipate16 that and we try to get out there very,17 very quickly and try to stop that from18 occurring.19 So our homicides were down20 compared -- up until just recently. Our21 shootings are down. But the two don't22 really go hand in hand, because there are23 so many factors that figure in to what24 ultimately results in a homicide.25 94 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Which sort2 of leads to my next question. I'm always3 interested in the update in terms of4 demographics of who is being shot and who5 is being killed. So if you could submit6 through the Chair any recent demographics7 you have with regard to age and race and8 sex and graduation rate, but the one9 thing I'm most interested about in terms10 of the data is how many people were shot11 by people that they know, acquaintances,12 and where we're at in terms of that and13 whether that affects our ability to be14 even more successful in terms of driving15 down those numbers.16 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes, sir.17 I can do that, and I can get that18 information to you. I don't know if we'd19 have the graduation rate of the20 individuals that were victims, although21 we could work with the schools to see22 what we could come up with that. But the23 demographic hasn't changed all that much,24 18 to 24, African American male. In many25 95 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 instances, in the majority of instances,2 there is some relationship between the3 victim and offender. I don't mean4 relationship in terms of family, but in5 terms of having some kind of knowledge of6 one another or something that is --7 whether it's an argument over drugs or8 maybe it's over a girl or whatever, but9 they've had some kind of contact with one10 another. That doesn't seem to change.11 The majority are gunshots. As of today,12 76 percent of the homicides we've had are13 due to gun violence. That's a 13 percent14 increase actually over last year. I can15 break it down by race, by sex, all those16 kinds of things for you and get it over17 to you through the President.18
I appreciate19 that. But just lastly, as I said, I'm20 really interested in to what extent if21 these are young black men or young men of22 color who know each other who at some23 point decide to shoot or kill each other,24 what can we do differently about that and25 96 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 how does that affect our ability to be2 even more successful than we've been.3 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: I agree.4 I mean, when you take a look at the5 different modus -- for an example, so far6 this year, 25 of the homicides are a7 result of arguments, four a result of8 retaliation. Of course, we have a lot of9 undetermineds, because until you make the10 arrest and do more interviews, you don't11 always know what actually kicked it off.12 But conflict resolution short of using a13 nine millimeter is really part of the14 issue. It seems like there's a15 propensity to go right to the gun or to16 some other form of violence whenever17 there is some kind of dispute between18 individuals, and that seems to be pretty19 consistent.20 I'll let Deputy Ross kind of21 jump in here. He deals with this on a22 daily basis.23 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS:24 Yeah. Councilman, one of the problems --25 97 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 and clearly some of those stats don't2 change from year to year with regard to3 what the Commissioner talked about in4 terms of folks knowing one another, but5 there's a certain component or element of6 that where we never know the answer to,7 because we get quite a few people who get8 shot who said, I don't know, I was9 walking down the street and the guy with10 a hoodie shot me, or I didn't see the11 gunshots, or some of them just flat out12 tell you, I'm not telling you. I mean,13 they will just -- we've had guys go as14 far as to lie about even being shot and15 they're in the hospital ER, you know.16 So, I mean, some of them are17 just steadfast in their resolve to not18 tell you, and that lends itself to our19 problems, which is the retaliation20 category that the Commissioner spoke21 about, because you kind of know22 intuitively where that's going, and to23 try to some extent to get in front of24 that is what we spend a lot of our time25 98 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 on.2
Okay. Thank3 you.4 Thank you, Madam President.5 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:6 You're welcome.7 The Chair recognizes8 Councilwoman Blackwell.9
Thank10 you, Madam President.11 I only wanted to take a moment12 to say thank you. I know how often I13 call, and I always get support, and I14 call all of you. I call Deputy15 Commissioner Bethel. I call our16 captains. But we are thankful for all of17 that. And we note that the FOP is also18 here. We're glad to see them, and we19 appreciate the relationship and the20 partnership we have to try to make things21 better in our city. Thank you.22 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Thank23 you, ma'am.24
The25 99 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.2
Thank you.3 Commissioner and all the folks4 at the table, the one thing that I do5 notice relative to responsiveness in line6 with what Councilwoman Blackwell said is7 that I can go to captains and get8 response, which is really a terrific9 thing, because I don't think I've ever10 called any of you about anything. When I11 see you, we have conversation, but to be12 able to call line captains, they get back13 to you, they respond to you, I mean, that14 to me speaks volumes as to how the15 command structure is working, because16 I've always felt that the captain level17 was the level that should be the18 responsive one. So I haven't had a bad19 incident with a captain. At least I get20 an answer. If it's not the answer I'm21 looking for, at least I get a response22 since you've gotten here.23 So I just want to thank you for24 that captain-level response, because25 100 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 that's important. Thanks.2 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well,3 thank you. And I know that the one thing4 that I certainly emphasize and Deputy5 Ross as well is making sure that these6 unit commanding officers respond not only7 to elected officials but when citizens8 send letters or calls. It may not be9 what you want to hear all the time and it10 may not quite be the response that you're11 looking for, but you get a response, and12 that's critically important. And you're13 right, it should be at that captain or14 unit CO level. But if there's ever an15 issue that you need to bring to one of16 our attention, then please feel free to17 do so.18
Thank20 you.21 I was wondering if Ms. Rhynhart22 was still in the room.23 The Chair recognizes Councilman24 Green.25 101 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
I'm4 sorry. Councilman Jones was next and I5 didn't see him. Yes, he is being given6 preferential privilege today.7
Madam Chair,8 I respectfully request the clock.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 Councilman Jones.11
Thank you so12 much, Madam President.13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 You're welcome, sir.15
We're really16 encouraged about the resurgence of the17 mounted police. One of the issues18 particularly germane to the 4th19 Councilmanic District is parkland, and I20 wanted to get your assessment of -- we21 did away with the 92nd, I believe it was,22 Precinct who had exclusive domain over23 parks and we kind of patch-worked it in24 with other districts, and I wanted to25 102 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 know, A, how that was working out by way2 of statistics and then, B, if this3 mounted patrol would somehow have a role4 within our park system.5 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes, sir.6 So far, it's working out, and the 92nd7 District was an example of one of the8 units that Councilman Green mentioned9 early on that we just simply could not10 afford to hold on to. It was a valuable11 asset to us, but we really couldn't12 afford with the manpower that we13 currently have. I'm told at one point we14 had like 8,000 policemen in Philadelphia,15 and obviously we don't have that any16 longer, so we had to make some tough17 choices.18 Yes, those responsibilities19 have been given to the districts, and so20 far, we've not had any significant21 problems as a result of them absorbing22 that responsibility. One of the things23 that I think will be beneficial with the24 mounted patrol will be our ability to be25 103 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 able to patrol areas that are not easily2 accessible by car or by mountain bike,3 and that's a lot of our trails, jogging4 trails and things of that nature, we will5 be able to reach on horseback. But I6 also want the horses in neighborhoods. I7 want them seen in North Philly. I want8 them seen in West Philly. I want them9 seen in South Philly. I want them in10 neighborhoods as well, so that people11 have a chance to see them. They are an12 effective crime-fighting tool because of13 where the officer is sitting, looking14 down on things. I've seen them where15 theft from auto, for example, people16 breaking in cars, I mean, they're just in17 a better position to do a lot of things.18 And it also enhances our visibility. I19 mean, you have people always say, I never20 see the cops. Well, if you can't see21 somebody sitting on a horse, I can't help22 you. I mean, it just really does a lot23 of positive things for us here in the24 Department.25 104 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 But, yes, sir. It will give us2 the ability, whether we're talking about3 Cobbs Creek or anywhere else, we will be4 able to have a presence out there, and I5 think that's really needed.6
Well, we're7 encouraged about it to begin and possibly8 more. The parks obviously are our9 treasure, and the security of us in the10 park who use it as we start to look at11 traditional areas such as Belmont12 Plateau, but also now that we're opening13 up Schuylkill River Trail and other14 places, we don't want those to become15 targets of opportunity because we don't16 have that kind of presence. So we17 appreciate your effort there.18
And,19 Commissioner, wouldn't you say that20 they're absolutely marvelous for crowd21 control?22 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes.23 Absolutely. And when we have a Philly24 celebration or something like that, and25 105 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 even just the weekends on South Street2 where we have the enormous crowds and it3 comes time to shut that down and move4 people along. One horse is equivalent to5 about ten people when it comes to crowd6 control, and there's just -- you just7 don't have the same kind of conflict as8 you would if you've got people trying to9 move people. A horse can do it and10 people don't feel threatened, it's not11 confrontational, yet they move. And a12 horse will clear an area out in, you13 know, a third of the time that it would14 take us to do it otherwise.15
I just16 wanted to segue quickly and allow my17 colleague to get some time in, but where18 I wanted to go is from the CSI standpoint19 as it affected our view of budgets so we20 know more about the Forensic Science21 Bureau. How are you on personnel there?22 It's my understanding that you may have23 dropped down and lost a couple of24 chemists, from 15 to 12, and medical lab25 106 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 techs, we are down to one, and if that2 impedes upon our ability to solve crimes3 through science.4 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well,5 certainly one of the areas that we have6 asked for an exemption during the hiring7 freeze was in the area of forensic8 sciences, among a couple of other areas9 of our operations. It's important that10 we be able to bring people on board. We11 have an excellent staff now, but, again,12 because of volume and workload, we have13 to make sure that we have an adequate14 number of scientists available to us.15 It's not something where you can just16 hire off the street. I mean, these are17 people with a high degree of expertise18 and training that we need.19 So I'll turn it over to Deputy20 Gaittens to kind of get more specific21 about where we're at in terms of any22 shortages.23 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:24 You are correct, sir, and that's always a25 107 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 problem with turnover in our lab. Young2 people come in, graduate chemists,3 scientists, and they get their experience4 and then they go elsewhere where they can5 make a little bit more money. We do have6 some positions open right now, both at7 the graduate chemist and biologist8 trainee level. There are five positions9 that we're looking to get filled almost10 immediately. As the Commissioner said,11 for certain positions, we absolutely have12 to have them. Police communications13 dispatchers, the correctional officers,14 anybody involved in prisoner processing15 and, again, in the forensic science area.16 They are making such great17 strides in DNA and the other type of18 investigations they do now that we're19 closing cases and we're getting the right20 people off of the streets. So that is an21 area where we do stay on top of that.22 It's just sometimes it takes a while to23 get a list out or a test and to hire the24 people, but we deal with the turnover as25 108 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 best as we can.2
Do you3 specifically go out and recruit or do you4 rely on the City's Personnel Department5 for that?6 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:7 We do both, to be honest with you. We8 have to go through the Central Personnel9 for the testing process, but I know the10 personnel over at our lab are always11 looking. We have a new lab director over12 there and he's got a lot of energy, so I13 have no doubt that he's reaching out.14
We15 appreciate boots on the ground, but there16 also need to be lab coats in the medical17 part to close the deal, if you would. So18 thank you very much, and I will be paying19 particular attention to that.20 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Thank21 you.22
Thank you,23 Madam President.24 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:25 109 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 You're welcome.2 The Chair recognizes Councilman3 Green.4
Thank you,5 Madam Chair.6 I note Ms. Rhynhart is back in7 the room, if you wanted to ask that8 question of her.9
Thank13 you.14 Ms. Rhynhart, you heard15 testimony about the possibility of police16 being assigned to the various schools.17 How would we be impacted with Act 46?18
I think that's19 something that we'll have to look at.20 Act 46 has certain requirements if we21 give funding to the schools for certain22 things, that we can't in the future ever23 reduce that. So I don't know at this24 point. It's something that we'll have to25 110 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 look at and get back to you.2
Thank3 you. And I assume that it would be4 entirely up to the Mayor if we find that5 we're not moving as rapidly as we could6 or should for police to come on board. I7 know the Commissioner has said he8 anticipated that we would have probably9 the first class -- not the first class,10 but active patrol in February of 2012.11 Supposing that doesn't happen for some12 reason -- I mean, I can't understand why13 it's taking so long to develop a test,14 so -- you don't have to answer me. It's15 a comment.16
If in18 fact for some reason -- and there could19 probably be a number of reasons -- that20 February comes and goes and we don't have21 any additional police, do you think the22 Mayor would be willing to extend the DROP23 program so that the officers would be24 able to stay an additional year?25 111 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
The question is2 a few parts. I don't think I can speak3 for the Mayor on that. I know that has4 been done in the past, so that would be5 something that could probably be6 considered, but I can't speak for him on7 that. I can speak for the fact of how8 important it is for us to get this police9 class up as quickly as possible and that10 we've already started working to get that11 police class in place.12
Do we13 have someone now who is going to be14 putting the test together? Have we hired15 anybody?16
Oh,19 I'm sorry.20 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yeah.21 This is off our current list.22
Right. That's25 112 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 okay.2 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:3 Because that really annoys me, too.4 Maybe, Ms. Rhynhart, you could5 stay at the table at the same time.6
Sure.7 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:8 Commissioner, you indicated that the9 attrition rate would be 190 officers in10 Fiscal 2011. How many have we lost this11 year to date?12 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:13 Year to date we are approximately 145 in14 attrition this year, this fiscal year,15 correct.16
And I17 assume that those that we lost may have18 been because of DROP?19 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:20 Yes, ma'am, although the numbers of21 people in the DROP have gone down22 significantly in recent years. I can23 look up the exact total as to how many24 we're going to lose this year.25 113 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 In Fiscal '12 the number of2 uniform personnel who were eligible to go3 out in the DROP was just 47 and in the4 Fiscal '11, it was 51. Now, what we5 experience is although you start the6 beginning of the fiscal year saying it7 will either be 51 or 47, some people8 actually leave before they go through the9 full four-year term. So there will be --10 by the time we get to the end of the11 year, they'll have gone out before the12 full four-year.13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 Commissioner, when you indicated the15 amount of uniform personnel that are16 available for duty each day and I17 asked -- and I think you indicated we18 have 147 that are out sick, 362 on19 vacation, 23 for any other reason to20 leave. My calculations would indicate21 that at the end of the year, we would22 have 5,754 police officers actually on23 duty. That's ten percent of the force24 that are not available on any given date.25 114 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Is that so? I mean, my calculations may2 be way off, but do you see that as a3 reasonable issue?4 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:5 No. Out of the 6,400 that we have, on6 any given day we have 532 that are off7 sick, vacation or other leaves, plus an8 additional --9
You10 speak awfully fast.11 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:12 I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Madam President.13
I14 know I used to take shorthand, but I15 can't write that fast.16 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:17 On any given day, the average is 258 IOD,18 147 sick, 362 vacation, 23 other leave.19 So that is about 790. So on any day, 79020 officers are off in one way or another.21 That's out of 6,496.22
And23 then you add those who are on limited24 duty.25 115 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:2 Right, and that's another --3
Not4 on the street.5 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:6 -- 84 plus another 91, correct.7 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: But the8 key numbers, ma'am, to when you look at9 where we are at the end of the year, when10 you look at the long-term absences, such11 as injured on duty, limited duty where12 you can't perform the full range of13 functions and the same with restricted14 duty, but when you look at vacations or15 sick, you could be sick for a day, two16 days, you come back. Vacations, finite17 period of time. When we look at those,18 we really don't count them as on the more19 permanent side. That's just on any given20 day, you start off short, and that is a21 fact. What hurts us more than anything22 is the long term. That's where the heart23 and lung and things of that nature come24 into play. That really hurts us. You're25 116 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 going to have vacations. You're going to2 have sick. That all figures into your3 relief factor, we call it, which is about4 1.7, 1.8 in our department. So, in other5 words, 1.7 officers to give you for every6 FTE, every full-time employee.7
Okay.8 I just think you are one of the most9 important departments in the City and I10 would hate to think that we could11 possibly be short.12 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well, I13 mean, it's too high, in my opinion, with14 the limited duty, restricted duty, heart15 and lung. I'm certainly not making16 excuses for that, but we have been very17 fortunate to be working with the FOP18 trying to get those numbers down.19 I don't think when it comes to20 like heart and lung, for an example,21 there is no number that's particularly22 excessive. The goal has to be that23 there's nobody in that status that24 doesn't deserve to be in that status.25 117 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Heart and lung is not a place for you to2 go rest for a month or two to come back3 to work. Everything has to be4 legitimate. If it's 200, it's 200. If5 it's 300, it's 300, but everybody who is6 in it is legitimately in there and we7 don't have any abuse of the system, and8 that's what we're looking at, is to make9 sure that people get back to work as soon10 as they're physically able to get back to11 work.12
Thank13 you.14 The Chair recognizes again15 Councilman Green.16
Thank you,17 Madam Chair.18 Commissioner, how many hostlers19 are in the Police Department?20 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: How many21 what? Hostlers?22
Yes. We are23 looking -- and what is a hostler?24 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:25 118 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 A hostler is the person who takes care of2 the horse, grooms them, walks them, feeds3 them.4
Sorry. It8 was a new position and I hadn't seen it9 before.10 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:11 Right. We intend to hire five when we12 build up the Mounted Unit. As of right13 now, there is one. So as the Mounted14 Unit expands, we'll need to bring more15 people on, yes.16
So there is17 currently, I think, six hostler18 positions?19 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:20 That is correct.21
And then one22 hostler group leader?23 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:24 That is correct. That's the supervisor.25 119 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
And how many2 horses are we going to have?3 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well,4 ultimately we're looking at about 305 horses, a unit of about 25 people.6 Horses, like any other animal, there'll7 be some days when they got to be shoed or8 there's something wrong with them or9 whatever and the vet has got them. So we10 take about 30 mounts to support a unit of11 about 25. That includes the supervisors12 that would be there, and the total unit13 would be about 25 personnel. And plus14 you've got extended shifts and so forth.15
Where are16 you planning on building a stable?17 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well,18 we're looking at a couple locations, but19 the one location that has drawn the most20 attention that the Deputy Mayor has21 really been working with Public Property22 and others is right across from Shamony23 Stables. They're currently there in24 Fairmount Park.25 120 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Where is2 that?3 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:4 Shamony and Green Lane, right where the5 old Shamony Stables is. Directly across6 Shamony Drive, there's an old ball park7 there and that's where the footprint of8 the new Mounted Unit will be.9
We still10 have stables that we own from the old11 Mounted Unit in the Northwest section of12 the City and also in -- when I was being13 taken around by Fairmount Park, I saw the14 stables that are in Northeast Philly, I15 think just off Frankford Avenue. Is16 there a reason we wouldn't put those back17 in service?18 DEPUTY
Yes.19 Everett Gillison, Deputy Mayor for Public20 Safety.21 I too went on the grand tour22 and actually went to visit about nine23 different sites around the City, saw the24 various places. The Krewstown, which was25 121 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the last one that was deactivated, the2 amount of money, quite frankly, the3 amount of money that it would take to try4 to retrofit what was there would be in5 excess of what just building new, and6 under today's standards, we get it done7 cheaper and actually faster building new8 than it is to try to take something that9 is old, what we saw, and running in all10 new pipes and everything else that you11 need to do. So the reason is, quite12 frankly, it was a cost decision.13
Okay. In14 the Communication Services Bureau, the15 detail shows that there were nine16 Criminal Investigative Research Analyst17 Trainee positions, which were included in18 last year's budget and vacant as of19 December. Have any of them been filled?20 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:21 As of this point in time, there was one22 that was hired. We will utilize those23 positions in the Realtime Crime Center.24 We are currently in negotiations with25 122 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 both Microsoft and IBM to get this2 project underway. So the bottom line is,3 we will hire those positions once we get4 that center up and running.5
In response6 to budget questions last year, the7 Department indicated that the positions8 were needed to -- basically the9 positions -- that without these10 positions, the Department would have to11 remove sworn personnel from street duty12 to cover these responsibilities. The13 reason they haven't been hired, though --14 so my question really related to whether15 or not we didn't hire them and had nine16 police officers off the street. The17 position has not been filled because we18 don't have the center up yet?19 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GAITTENS:20 That is correct.21
What is the22 Realtime Crime Center going to do?23 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well, the24 Realtime Crime Center is really kind of25 123 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 strongly connected to something you said2 earlier in the first round of questioning3 as it relates to the technology. This4 will give us the ability to be able to5 see what's going on in realtime and make6 adjustments in deployment as we see fit.7 It will be the central repository for8 information that will come in. There's a9 data warehouse that's associated with it.10 We'll have people there that will11 analyze, recognize early on trends,12 patterns that may be developing. If13 there's an individual we want questioning14 for a particular thing, we'd be able to15 get a photograph of that person pushed16 right out to the radio patrol car. I17 mean, it becomes the hub of everything18 that's going on in realtime. It has a19 link analysis feature where if you have20 an individual who may be the victim of a21 homicide or whatever or maybe wanted in22 connection with something, where have23 they been arrested previously, who have24 they been arrested with, all those kind25 124 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 of things, known associates, things that2 we can get information out to the3 investigators and others in the field as4 quickly as possible so that we can5 resolve the issue as quickly as possible.6 So that becomes our nerve center for7 everything that's going on that's crime8 related.9
Thank you.10 I want to make a suggestion for your11 website, and you may already do this, so12 I apologize if you do. But there's been13 a lot of burglaries, home break-ins in14 the Northwest section of the City and a15 lot of neighbors and other people are16 going to the trouble, especially with17 cars parked on one side of a park or the18 other, writing down license plate19 numbers, taking pictures of cars that are20 there, sort of doing that sort of thing21 themselves, and then if somebody gets22 robbed, they share the information with23 them. There are particular people that24 are seen walking the neighborhood that --25 125 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Don't2 live there.3
-- sit in4 the park for three hours watching cars5 leave and go, and other neighbors keep an6 eye on that.7 And so the question is, if8 people could download anonymously from9 their cell phones or iPhones, other10 things, pictures that -- you know, just11 suspicious character in my neighborhood12 or suspicious character on my block or13 suspicious character been standing on the14 corner for the last four hours at this15 location, especially with GPS data16 available, it would just give17 investigators something to look at when a18 crime actually happens in that area and19 you wouldn't have to look at it20 otherwise. I think people would feel21 much more comfortable having that outlet22 than calling 9-1-1 when they're just kind23 of like -- people don't call when it just24 doesn't feel right, because there's25 126 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 nothing to report. Just sort of a way of2 cataloguing for the police to go back and3 later look at information that neighbors4 felt nervous about, but didn't want to5 rise to the level of a call, then you6 lose the scrap of paper you wrote the7 license plate number on. I just have8 that as a suggestion.9 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yes, sir.10 And thank you for that suggestion. One11 of the things that a Realtime Crime12 Center will do and one of the features13 will be the ability for somebody through14 Twitter, Facebook or texting to be able15 to reach you directly that way, short of16 calling 9-1-1 or 3-1-1, and we can react17 a lot quicker and check out various18 complaints. And that's one of the things19 that a Realtime Crime Center, we'd have20 people that would be at 24/7 monitoring21 all those different systems, whereas with22 a website, I mean, you're not looking at23 it constantly 24 hours a day, but in the24 Realtime Crime Center, there would be25 127 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 people there. And if you want to send an2 alert through Twitter, through Facebook,3 through text messaging, we'd be able to4 provide them with a way to be able to do5 that, and there would be somebody there6 to be able to see it immediately and if7 needed to send the police or whatever, we8 could do that.9
That10 wouldn't be anonymous, though, and so11 there is a way -- I'm just suggesting a12 portal or channel or even if it's just an13 e-mail address or a text number that -- a14 text that's anonymous and allows people15 to say at this location, something16 nervous.17 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Well, I'm18 certainly not as well versed in19 technology as you are, but we'll set it20 up in a way in which if a person wants to21 leave personal information, they can, and22 if they don't, then they don't have to,23 because the goal, again, is to get the24 information, not to always be able to25 128 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 find the individual, although that's2 always helpful when you can. But we3 certainly can work through that as we4 begin to design the technology for it.5
In many6 neighborhoods that I have been around in7 the City where crime is highest, I think8 cell phones -- the Internet is not -- 419 percent of our citizens don't have10 Internet access, and so cell phones are11 sort of communication that give people12 access, and so the ability to anonymously13 do things like that via text message I14 think would lead to people, especially15 where there's community outreach and foot16 patrol and the PSAs get up and running,17 if that is communicated to citizens, Hey,18 when you see something suspicious, you19 can text a picture to this, I think it20 would generate leads that might prove21 useful. If you do it, I'd be curious to22 know what the results are.23 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: I agree.24
So thank25 129 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 you.2 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:3 You're welcome.4 The Chair recognizes Councilman5 Jones.6
Thank you,7 Madam President.8 And Shamony Drive is in the 4th9 Councilmanic District, which is, more10 importantly, strategically located on a11 lot of those trails. In fact, by horse,12 you can get all the way up to Chestnut13 Hill from there, hitting Manayunk, East14 Falls and other areas, or go as far south15 as Cobbs Creek. And I think one of the16 strategic reasons why you would want to17 put it there is horse transport. You18 have fewer miles to transport animals,19 and I just wanted to give you that20 insight as to that.21 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Yeah. It22 cuts down -- one of the problems they had23 with Krewstown is the time it took to24 transport back into the City, and now25 130 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 you're talking overtime again, you're2 talking a lot of different issues that3 we've been discussing here today. That's4 a more centrally located place.5
In fact,6 about a mile from there is the Johnstone7 Stable where they used to train the8 mounted police once upon a time, and the9 park guards, they used to learn10 equestrian skills there.11 I'd like to talk about a little12 bit Operation Pressure Point, which deals13 with nuisance bars, I understand. There14 was an article talking about how15 difficult it is to shut down bars. Can16 you give us some insight on that?17 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS:18 Yeah. Councilman, a lot of that has to19 do with the State Police involvement. I20 mean, when we were at our height, our21 peak in using Pressure Point,22 particularly as it relates to bars and23 their enforcement, we were working in24 conjunction with the State Police,25 131 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 because they have the ultimate authority2 to do that. We don't have the authority3 as local municipal officers to go in and4 do these spot checks like that. We5 actually can do spot checks, but that's6 the extent of it, where we could walk in7 and basically just take a look, see8 what's going on, but we cannot do9 basically any kind of analysis beyond10 that. That's within the purview of the11 State Police.12 So, I mean, we're going to have13 some discussions with them about that. I14 mean, obviously Pressure Point as it15 relates to our crime deployment will16 continue, but with specifically your17 question about bars, we kind of had to18 back off of that a little bit.19
In light20 of -- have you had -- and maybe we can21 facilitate a joint hearing between the22 Pennsylvania delegation here in Philly23 and this organization in Council to talk24 about that particular issue by way --25 132 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 because it is a common issue, no matter2 what district you're in. You have great3 establishments. Some of them operate4 within the purview of the defined laws on5 the books, and some of them need a little6 bit of coaxing to do. And what we're7 noticing is a lot of transfer of8 ownership in a way that makes us take9 pause, and we might want to have a10 hearing, a joint hearing, with some of11 the legislators at the state level. So12 if it's a need to address it at the13 Commonwealth level, we can, or if it's14 tightening up L&I restrictions here, we15 can. So that might be something we would16 be interested in.17 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS:18 Well, I think I can speak for the19 Commissioner in saying we would welcome20 that. I mean, Councilman, one of the21 things that the Commissioner would ask is22 that a lot of these proprietors23 understand that we don't, as a policing24 agency, have an interest in penalizing25 133 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 these owners for calling 9-1-1. I mean,2 which is all we really ask a lot of3 times. And that it is counterproductive4 when a problem that you anticipate gets5 pushed outside of your establishment and6 then what results is a shooting or7 something like that.8 So to the extent that those9 conversations could make it clear to10 those owners that that's not the intent,11 that when you call and these calls are12 documented, they're not done so to13 penalize you later for something that's14 going to hurt your license.15
Again, some16 taverns in communities are an integral17 part of the socialization of that18 community. Some taverns and bars and19 nuisance bars in particular need to be20 addressed.21 A young man that I watched grow22 up in the neighborhood you come from was23 at 5th and I want to call it Olney and24 was shot, robbed outside of a bar, and it25 134 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 was fatal. And I'm saying to you that if2 we notice that in or around these3 establishments we have higher incidents4 of violent crime, we need to address it,5 and either they shape up or we get them6 to ship out.7 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS: I8 couldn't agree with you more. And that9 gentleman that you alluded to, I watched10 him grow up, as he grew up eight or nine11 doors from me. So I know exactly what12 you're talking about.13
Thank you,14 Madam President.15 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:16 You're welcome.17 Are there any other questions18 from members of the Committee?19 (No response.)20
I21 don't believe so.22 Commissioner, there's just one23 issue that I always bring up, and I would24 be very guilty if I didn't bring it up25 135 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 today. The 12th Police District, I think2 that is such a large, large district. Is3 there any intention or hope that we will4 be doing something about that?5 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS:6 Councilwoman, all I can say is, we feel7 your pain on that one. I mean, it's a8 large, very busy district with its share9 of issues and we have, since the10 Commissioner has arrived in town, put a11 number of officers in there and assigned12 a number of officers there that weren't13 there previously in terms of aggregate14 numbers, which we think has helped15 immensely. Obviously it's one of the16 ones that has always included our pilot17 foot patrol district.18 So we're always looking at that19 district, always trying to put key20 leadership there. I think one of the21 issues, because it's contiguous to some22 other busy districts, in terms of trying23 to subdivide it, it would almost be24 counterproductive to some extent, because25 136 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the ones right next to it are equally2 problematic. But we just are always3 mindful of the need to put resources in4 there and not look at it from the5 standpoint of, Well, we used to have 1506 and that's good enough. We're constantly7 evaluating and reevaluating that district8 in particular and there are about two9 others that are always high on our list10 year after year after year. I don't have11 to tell you. And we're not, under12 Commissioner Ramsey's leadership, bashful13 about putting whatever we think is14 necessary in that district.15
Thank16 you. Because long before the Eastwick17 Homes were built, I mean, it just seems18 that it's expanding more and more, and I19 was just hoping that there was some hope20 that we would be able to do something21 about it. It's a shame, because the22 police cars have no place to park. It's23 a bad location. It really is a bad24 location. However, I'm sure we're not25 137 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 going to be able to do anything about2 that today.3 I want to thank you all from4 the bottom of my heart, and I'm sure5 everybody feels the same way. Without6 all of you, I don't know what we would7 do. And we want you to know we're8 extremely grateful for all the hard work9 you do. I know whenever I have a10 problem, I see somebody in the audience11 and I don't want to embarrass him, but12 when my back is against the wall, I call13 him and the problem is addressed14 immediately, and I want to thank you for15 that.16 Thank you all very much.17 This Committee will stand in18 recess until 1:30.19 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY: Thank20 you, Madam President.21
Good25 138 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 afternoon. Thank you for your patience.2 This is a continued public hearing of the3 Committee of the Whole.4 Our next group to testify will5 be the Fire Department.6 Commissioner, if you would7 approach the table please, identify8 yourself for the record and proceed with9 your testimony.10 (Witnesses approached witness11 table.)12
Good13 afternoon. 16 Council President Verna and17 members of the City Council, for the18 record, I am Fire Commissioner Lloyd19 Ayers. With me is David Beatrice, Deputy20 Commissioner for Administrative Services,21 and members of my executive team and22 staff. 24 The Philadelphia Fire25 139 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Department plays a large role in keeping2 Philadelphia safe. 6 The Department also responded7 to over 223,000 calls for emergency8 medical services, with 76 percent of9 those calls leading to transportation to10 a hospital. 24 Additionally 2,000 alarms have been given25 140 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 to the Department through the Federal2 Emergency Management Agency, and we have3 started installation and distribution in4 conjunction with the Change Your Clock,5 Change Your Battery program. In 2010, we6 saw the third lowest number of fire7 fatalities in recorded history in the8 City of Philadelphia. 14 In an ongoing effort to enhance15 the delivery of emergency medical16 services, the Department initiated an17 emergency medical services pilot program18 on August 3rd of last year. This19 involves 9-1-1 EMS responses within a20 defined catchment area by an Advanced21 Life Support response vehicle designated22 as AQR1. m. m. 7 The Department's electronic8 incident reporting system is now9 operational for all fire and first10 responder incident responses, allowing us11 to eliminate paper documentation for12 reporting purposes. This also allows us13 to be in compliance with federal14 reporting standards through the National15 Fire Incident Reporting System. It is16 important to note that the number of17 reported and classified structure fire18 incidents will increase over the course19 of the next year with the implementation20 of this new reporting system, as the21 definition of a "structure fire" has22 changed under the federal system. 5 During the fall of 2010,6 Northrop Grumman completed Phase 2 of the7 Computer-Aided Dispatch upgrade, which8 changes the way in which we dispatch our9 vehicles. We can now use the global10 positioning of our vehicles and apparatus11 as opposed to a station location;12 therefore, enabling us to better deploy13 our resources. 17 In March of this year, the18 Department began conducting high rise19 training for all command officers and20 selected fire service companies. 24 For Fiscal Year 2012, the25 143 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Department is requesting a total2 operating budget of $198,127,969. 16 In the wake of recent federal17 court decisions that scrutinize the18 development of firefighter exams and the19 creation of eligibility lists, the Office20 of Human Resources is in the process of21 soliciting proposals to develop a new22 civil service examination for the23 entry-level position of firefighter. 2 Additionally, the Department3 will hire an estimated 25 to 304 paramedics in Fiscal Year 2012. We began5 the testing and hiring process earlier6 this fiscal year and anticipate bringing7 in this new class April 18th. 22 The Department is requesting23 $125,000 to replace 125 self-contained24 breathing apparatus bottles for fire25 145 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 service personnel. 10 These funds will help to alleviate issues11 with not having hired a new class in the12 past three years. We have seen an13 attrition rate of roughly 80 to 9014 members per year, but have been unable to15 hire a class due to legal and financial16 issues. 19 With regards to our upcoming20 projects in Fiscal Year 2012, the21 Department would like to note the22 following anticipated projects or23 programs. Due to the new leasing program24 in the Office of Fleet Management, the25 146 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Department will be able to receive four2 ladders, 20 pumpers and 12 new medic3 units. 12 The Fire Department is13 committed to supporting the14 Administration's goal of 25 percent15 minority, woman and disabled-owned16 businesses participating in City17 contracting.
6 This concludes my testimony. 10 I speak not only for myself, but for all11 of the members in saying that your12 support is much appreciated. Thank you13 very much. 15
Thank16 you.17 When are the Advanced Life18 Support units in service?19 COMMISSIONER AYERS: The20 Advanced Life Support services units are21 in service at various times. We have22 24-hour medic units Advanced Life23 Support. We also have 12-hour Advanced24 Life Support units. So they are system25 148 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 status and they are -- they're time2 staggered.3
You4 mention in your testimony that you have5 initiated an EMS pilot program designed6 as the Advanced Quick Response Unit in7 order to have an ALS presence when ALS8 units are not in service. You state that9 this unit is non-transport. Can you10 explain what the AQR1 unit does and how11 the person is transported to the12 hospital.13 COMMISSIONER AYERS: Yes,14 President. The AQR vehicle is Advanced15 Quick Response. Their job is to be16 dispatched to a medic call. They run17 along with -- it could be a fire company18 as well as an Emergency Medical Services19 system that is BLS, and what they do is,20 they respond. They'll probably get there21 before the Basic Life Support unit.22 They'll start the intervention. They'll23 make sure that the patient is stabilized,24 and then the transport is actually done25 149 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 in the Basic Life Support vehicle. So2 they actually get there, package the3 patient, and then they'll make sure that4 the patient gets to the hospital.5
Well,6 would they be able to administer drugs?7 COMMISSIONER AYERS:8 Absolutely.9
They10 could?11 COMMISSIONER AYERS: They are12 fully equipped to get there and13 administer all of regular Advanced Life14 Support. The thing with that is, they15 remain within a catchment area. If they16 were a carry unit at this point, they17 would be drawn off into the system. And18 now what we have is a unit that actually19 stays in a certain catchment area and20 services that area.21
So I22 assume they're replacing rover that we23 talked about last year?24 COMMISSIONER AYERS: They're25 150 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 not replacing. They're in addition.2 This is a pilot.3
We4 still have rover?5 COMMISSIONER AYERS: It is the6 rover unit. So I guess it's a different7 terminology.8
Thank9 you.10 How many EMT positions are you11 budgeted for in Fiscal 2012?12 COMMISSIONER AYERS: Council13 President, you're talking about14 paramedics, correct?15
EMTs,16 yeah. Paramedics.17 COMMISSIONER AYERS: We are18 budgeted for 280 paramedics.19
Don't20 change your page yet.21 How many EMT vacancies do you22 currently have?23 COMMISSIONER AYERS:24 Seventy-two vacancies.25 151 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
On2 average, how long does it take to fill an3 EMT position?4 COMMISSIONER AYERS: On5 average, it takes approximately seven6 weeks to go through the normal process7 and school at the fire -- at fire school.8 Then they'll be precepted for several9 other weeks and then they'll go into10 service. So it's maybe about three11 months to actually get them into service.12
On13 of your budget detail, it reflects14 a reduction of 98 uniform positions.15 What positions are being eliminated?16 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:17 This is Dave Beatrice.18 The 98 represent firefighter19 positions. They're not being eliminated.20 We are just recognizing the fact that21 until the new exam goes through, we22 probably would not be able to fill those23 positions until early Fiscal '13. So24 those positions were taken out of the25 152 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 full funding and the funding was placed2 into overtime. So they're not being3 eliminated.4
Well,5 I would appreciate it if you would look6 at Section 45, .7 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:8 Yes.9
But10 doesn't it reflect -- it actually11 reflects full-time elimination of 98.12 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:13 They're not being counted in the14 authorized position this year. The15 funding is being placed into the overtime16 line for the 98.17
Good afternoon.23 Rebecca Rhynhart, Budget Director.24 For the budgeted positions, as25 153 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 you know, we budget to dollars and not to2 actual positions. But when we look at3 the position counts, we try to be as4 accurate as possible to the maximum5 amount of positions that can be filled6 during a given year. And because in7 Fiscal '12 it's not anticipated that8 we'll be able to add firefighters, those9 positions were removed from that maximum10 position count for '12. In Fiscal '13,11 we would assume to see those positions go12 back in as they -- because it would then13 be reasonable to assume that the14 positions would be filled.15
Thank16 you. We're not accustomed to that17 process.18
Thank20 you.21 Commissioner, how many22 firefighter positions are currently23 vacant?24 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:25 154 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 There are no vacant firefighter2 positions. Every slot in the Department3 has someone assigned to it. It is the4 extra positions that would be -- if you5 had the positions, they would fill in6 when another firefighter or member would7 go out on vacation or sick leave.8
I9 don't quite understand that.10 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:11 If you were looking back to the budget12 before where you had the higher13 authorized number, you would probably14 look at it as being 80 vacancies. Now15 that we're going to actual positions, you16 wouldn't see the 80 vacancies. You would17 see the funding in overtime, though. The18 funding was not taken away for those19 positions.20
So21 I'll ask you in a different way. How22 many current positions are presently23 filled?24 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:25 155 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Twelve hundred and sixty-eight2 firefighter positions in Division 1.3
And4 how does that compare to last year?5 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:6 Compared to last year, we probably lost7 the 80 members on average due to8 attrition. So the number would have been9 last year approximately 80 to 90 higher10 at this time.11
Eight12 positions?13 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:14 Eighty to 90.15
Oh,16 80?17 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:18 Eighty to 90. Sorry.19
Let's20 do some calculation.21 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:22 Sure.23 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:24 Twelve sixty-eight. Okay?25 156 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:2 Yeah. That was on the increment run3 listed in the budget in Division 1.4
And5 if you add the 280 for the EMT6 positions --7 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:8 Well, all the firefighters are EMTs.9 Instead of EMTs, are you referring to the10 paramedic positions, 280?11
Yeah.12 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:13 All right. The paramedic, we have 7214 less than the 280. So we have the 20815 paramedics in Division 5.16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 Making it very confusing to me.18 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:19 We'll be glad to provide further detail20 at a later time.21
What22 is your current attrition rate for the23 firefighters?24 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:25 157 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Eighty to 90 members a year.2
We3 said that before.4 And how many of them are on5 DROP and how many do you anticipate will6 be going on DROP?7 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:8 I don't have that in front of me, because9 of the rush we had a few months ago10 probably threw it out of balance, but11 usually every year, except for that, we12 probably had 50 a year included in part13 of the 80 that left. I think the past14 few months ago we've had a big rush, but15 we wouldn't anticipate them leaving for16 another four years. But next year we'll17 probably lose the normal 50 or so.18
The19 Personnel Director testified that the new20 firefighters list will not be available21 until either November or December of this22 year and the next class will not start23 until sometime in the early part of24 Calendar Year 2012.25 158 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 With this being said, how do2 you propose to reduce your uniform3 overtime budget by $4.2 million, as4 reflected on of your detail?5 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BEATRICE:6 That 4.2 million, the bulk of that is a7 one-time reduction because of $3.88 million of that was due to the Lawrence9 paramedic decision. So you would have to10 reduce it down.11
What12 is the operational impact to the13 firefighting capabilities of your14 department of not being able to replace15 firemen until Calendar 2012? And with16 that being said, will we see more17 brownouts?18 COMMISSIONER AYERS: The impact19 as related to the class being hired in20 the last quarter of 2012, we actually21 have minimum staffing and we hire on22 overtime. This is the reason that the23 overtime was added into our budget. And24 moving forward, we expect that the25 159 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 current brownout level will be what it2 is, unless there's some other type of a3 reduction that comes our way. Right now4 this is our budget going forward. We5 expect to staff using overtime and we6 expect the brownouts to stay where they7 are right now.8
You9 know, and with the paramedics, I know,10 Commissioner, you have said time and time11 again that you found it very difficult to12 recruit them?13 COMMISSIONER AYERS: Yes.14
Could15 you be having a hard time recruiting them16 because -- even if we do get them,17 they're trained here and then they go to18 another county. Could it be because19 they're really burned out and the salary20 that we offer is certainly a lot less21 than what the other counties offer?22 COMMISSIONER AYERS: Well, one23 of the things that we've seen over the24 past year, Madam President, is the fact25 160 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 that many of those things that we did to2 counter that effect was, one, the3 recruitment, making sure that we had a4 battalion chief in charge of the5 recruitment, going to all of the schools,6 going to other jurisdictions, also a7 national advertisement, making sure that8 we got advertisement in the emergency9 medical services magazines, so people10 would see that Philadelphia was hiring.11 And also we stopped and we looked at who12 actually responded to that, and we had a13 list of over 50 people, 50 names, which14 we were very satisfied with. We went15 from zero to 50 or very few to 50, and16 now that enabled us to hire this class17 that's coming up on the 18th. And we18 have others that's on the list right now19 currently that we will be hiring as soon20 as we can get this next group into the21 City service. So we feel really good22 about what we've done.23
That24 sounds very encouraging to me, because I25 161 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 think every year you came in and2 testified that you had difficulty3 recruiting. I truly believe that most of4 them get burned out and the salary level5 of what other counties pay are more than6 ours. But that to me is very7 encouraging.8 COMMISSIONER AYERS: Well, we9 went away with your instruction and10 encouragement from Council to do certain11 things. We had information from other12 City sources, and we followed those13 instructions and we stayed the course and14 now we too are very encouraged.15
Thank16 you. Thank you very much.17 The Chair recognizes Councilman18 Greenlee.19
Thank20 you, Madam President.21 Good afternoon, everyone. I22 just want to go back. Actually, my23 questions are kind of, I guess, followups24 to what the President was asking.25 162 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 I'm confused, and maybe it's2 just I don't understand the terms. On3 this Advanced Quick Response issue, you4 say it's in service from 8:00 p.m. to5 8:00 a.m., which is when the ALS system6 status units are not in service. I guess7 I'm just -- maybe I don't understand the8 term. I guess what's the difference?9 I'm trying to figure out what the10 difference is.11 COMMISSIONER AYERS: Well, the12 difference is the demand on our Emergency13 Medical Services system. When the demand14 goes down, one of the things that happen15 is, the system status units actually go16 offline, and they maintain -- we still17 maintain the adequate number of response18 units needed to face that demand.19 The AQR was put in a pilot that20 we put into service in a catchment area21 so that they would augment what we22 already had in that area. So this is23 something that's a pilot project. It's24 more than what we had in the system25 163 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 before August the 4th, and they've been2 in service since then, and we've been3 getting some encouraging numbers. What4 they showed us is that -- what the5 responses from AQR showed us is that they6 remained in the catchment area, they're7 able to service that catchment area and8 they're not bogged down by other calls in9 other areas of the system. So we see it10 as a very positive improvement to our11 system.12
And how13 many catchment areas are there?14 COMMISSIONER AYERS: Just one.15 This is a pilot. This is the first one.16
Okay.17 You're just doing it in the one thing. I18 think I follow that. Thanks.19 COMMISSIONER AYERS: Yes, sir.20
Now, you21 talk about the fire fatalities, the third22 lowest. In real numbers, that's what the23 33 is here?24 COMMISSIONER AYERS: That's25 164 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 correct, 33, 32 and 30.2
Do you3 know how many of those were where lack of4 smoke detectors or working smoke5 detectors were involved?6 COMMISSIONER AYERS: The7 majority, and this year we're looking at8 80 percent. Last year we were around, I9 believe it was, 75 percent of those10 deaths. And we believe that continuing11 to educate our public, continuing to do12 the integrated risk management, going13 into the -- knocking on the doors of14 homes in the most challenged areas, we15 have been getting those deaths down.16
Okay.17 Great. On the firefighter exam that18 you'll have, who actually puts that19 together? Is the Fire Department, are20 you involved in that setting up?21 COMMISSIONER AYERS: No. That22 is done by Human Resources. They are23 tasked with that and they have that24 complete responsibility.25 165 4/11/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371