Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross, the Philadelphia Police Department’s second in command, has encountered more than a few hostile crowds in recent weeks. But the 7th Police District Advisory Council was anything but adverse when Ross addressed the Northeast community group on Jan. 15.
During the PDAC’s monthly meeting, Ross told of the department’s efforts to improve its community relations at a time when police across the nation are under heightened scrutiny. He also shared his appreciation for the positive reinforcement that groups like the PDAC provide.
“We all know what’s going on in policing across the nation right now,” he said.
Incidents in Ferguson, Missouri, and in Staten Island, New York, have intensified public debate over the use of deadly force by police and led to large demonstrations in many major cities, including Philadelphia. President Barack Obama has appointed Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey to co-chair his new Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
Philadelphia has been mostly spared from destructive or violent protests that other cities have seen. Local police try to allow demonstrators to have their say without jeopardizing public safety, according to the deputy commissioner.
“Knock on wood, we haven’t had some of the issues experienced in other cities. It’s because of our relationship with you,” Ross said. “These are volatile situations. We recognize people have a right to protest, to demonstrate. It’s in the Constitution.”
The true measure of a police department is how it handles its business on a daily basis, how it deals with citizens and its ability to change to meet modern expectations.
“I am very thankful that we try to make inroads every day with people across the city,” Ross said. “The lion’s share of the (officers) we have understand what it means to commit themselves to protecting and serving. We will continue to find ways to better train our officers and keep up with the times.”
A level of understanding by police and by citizens is needed for a mutually beneficial relationship. Police have to be sensitive to people’s individual rights and needs, but the public has to realize that police generally have the authority and justification to act the way they do.
“There are some people who think that every cop is no good, but that’s not the case,” Ross said.
The police department’s leaders strongly believe that the concept of community policing can defeat misconceptions about officers and the public. Practices like foot patrols and mounted patrols help police to meet citizens on a personal level.
Interestingly, Ross said that one of the biggest problems facing the department is attracting enough qualified candidates to hire and train. Police recruitment is a national problem, with only about 10 percent of applicants making it through testing and training to become officers.
On the other hand, police appreciate that there are still many community members who support the work they do.
“When we get people who demonstrate boldly through their actions that they support the police, we can’t thank you enough,” Ross said.
• Also during the Jan. 15 meeting, the PDAC honored Victor Ortiz as the 7th District Officer of the Month for December.
Ortiz aided in the capture of two burglars who had broken into the Target store at 11000 Roosevelt Blvd. on Dec. 17. Ortiz was the first officer to respond to a police radio report of a burglary in progress at the store, which was closed for business. While positioned outside a rear window, he saw two suspects inside the store moving merchandise toward a loading bay. When the suspects saw Ortiz, they fled into the store. Police eventually captured the two burglars hiding on the roof. ••
