Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel addressed last week’s meeting of the East Torresdale Civic Association.
Bethel was joined by Inspector Frank Bachmayer, commander of the Northeast Police Division, who was celebrating his birthday.
The commissioner said the department is short 1,300 officers, but that Police Academy classes are becoming more frequent.
“I need to get 75 officers every six weeks,” he said.
Bethel said that the 7th and 8th police districts are shorthanded, particularly because many of the officers are retiring.
There are 21 patrol districts in Philadelphia, and all academy graduates are assigned to those districts. The commissioner said department special units are also suffering from attrition.
Bethel said recruits make $61,000 a year and earn $66,000 by the time they graduate from the academy and $90,000 after five years (without overtime). The commissioner made $24,000 a year when he joined the department in 1986.
In addition, he said the benefits are great.
“It’s a great profession,” he said.
In a question-and-answer session, there were complaints about porch pirates, a lack of police presence, slow 911 response, loud noise near Delaware and Linden avenues, officers being paid overtime to provide security at retail stores, reckless drivers and a request for a regular overnight patrol in Delaire Landing.
Bethel supports the use of Ring doorbells and encourages residents and businesses to share video footage with police when crimes are committed.
The commissioner hesitates to tell officers to engage in high-speed chases due to the risk of pedestrians and other drivers while a souped-up vehicle with 500 horsepower is trying to get away. One woman suggested officers shoot the tires of fleeing motorists’ vehicles.
“We share your frustration in this room,” Bethel said.
Bachmayer said he already has aggressive driver details in the 2nd, 7th and 15th police districts, and will soon be adding one in the 8th, on Academy Road, from Frankford Avenue to Grant Avenue.
Bachmayer said officers getting paid overtime while working security at stores can be moved to district patrols as needed. He said officers at stores can keep employees and customers safe while deterring thefts, while many Wawa customers steal items while a security guard watches.
In other news from the Sept. 9 meeting:
• ETCA voted 23-6 to approve legalization of a rear storage shed at 4715 Pearson Ave. The owner paid a contractor to do the work, but the contractor did not obtain a permit.
• The group was expected to hear from Elvis Solivan, community relations manager for Oak Street Health, but Solivan recently resigned.
“Elvis left the building,” ETCA president Joe Carson quipped.
• A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing will take place on Oct. 2 for the property at 9901 Frankford Ave. Earlier this year, ETCA approved a variance for a vehicle repair and maintenance shop at the site, the former home of a 7-Eleven and a kitchen and bath store. There will be four bays. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m, Monday through Saturday.
• State Sen. Jimmy Dillon and city elections commissioner Lisa Deeley are sponsoring an outdoor movie night on Saturday, Sept. 21, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 9601 Frankford Ave. The event starts at 7 p.m., and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem will be shown at 7:30. Voter registrations will be taken. Snacks will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, chairs and blankets.
• Joe Picozzi, the Republican candidate in the 5th Senatorial District, won the 50-50 and donated the money back to the ETCA.
• Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., will host a Boat and Brew fundraiser in support of free community boating, environmental education for Philadelphia and Camden youth, equitable access to waterways and healthier rivers on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Optional kayaking will go until 6 p.m., followed by a reception. Guests will enjoy an open bar with wine and beer, live music by York Street Hustle and a silent auction. Food will be available for purchase. Kayaking is $25 per person. The reception costs $50, or six people for $250. For information and to purchase tickets, call 215-632-5330 or visit www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/9/16/boat-and-brew-fundraiser-for-the-riverways-collaboration
Glen Foerd’s Wedding Crashers’ Ball will take place on Friday, Oct. 25. The interactive event invites guests to become part of the story, blending elements of immersive theater with elegant wedding festivities, and spontaneous celebration. Searching for the perfect partner, Glen Foerd’s bachelor must choose among five brides competing for his heart. The show will go from 7-11 p.m. and will include live music, dinner, an open bar, dancing and silent and live auctions. There will also be an afterparty held in Glen Foerd’s Gilded Age mansion’s rathskeller until midnight. Tickets are $185 per person, or $225 that includes the afterparty in Glen Foerd’s rathskeller. Tickets can be purchased at www.glenfoerd.org/weddingcrashersball. For information, visit www.glenfoerd.org/weddingcrashersball, or contact Scott Reynolds at 215-632-5330 or scott@glenfoerd.org.
Glen Foerd will host a world premiere performance as part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. For Love of Country will take place on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22, or $17 for students. Visit www.phillyfringe.org/events/for-love-of-country/. For more information, visit www.glenfoerd.org or www.phillyfringe.org.
• East Torresdale Civic Association will meet on Monday, Oct. 14 (Columbus Day), at 7 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. ••
