September 7th 2023.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw is resigning from her position after three years of leading the Philadelphia police force, becoming the first Black woman to do so. Outlaw is set to leave on September 22nd to become a Deputy Security Chief at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Mayor Jim Kenney announced that Outlaw's deputy, John Stanford, will serve as the interim commissioner. Outlaw described her resignation as voluntary, noting that it is closely timed to Kenney's term limit and the upcoming mayor election. She stated, “We’re really beginning to see the fruits of our labor. We, not just me, all of us, have really endured some challenging times.”
The past three years have seen some improvements in the city. Gun violence has decreased from its record-setting highs, and the year-to-date homicide number is 20% lower than in 2021. However, police statistics still show that numbers are higher than in recent city history.
Kenney had nothing but praise for Outlaw and her accomplishments. He acknowledged how common it is for top officials to move on, and particularly praised her for surviving four years of civil unrest under the Trump administration. The mayor said, “She did a terrific job during unprecedented difficult times of pandemic, of civil unrest, of Donald Trump for four years. She’s done a lot of reform measures that have changed the department, and we wish her well.”
Outlaw released a statement on her experience serving the City of Brotherly Love and thanked the mayor and residents for their support. She said, “It has been my honor and privilege to serve during Mayor Kenney’s administration and alongside each member of the Philadelphia Police Department. The hard work, resilience, and professionalism of our force is truly commendable.”
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