Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel recently held a town hall in the 8th Police District at St. Dominic’s Marian Hall.
Bethel was joined by Deputy Commissioners Mike Cram and Myesha Massey; Chief Inspector Michael McCarrick; Inspector Frank Bachmayer, commander of the Northeast Police Division; and Capt. Nicholas DeBlasis, commander of the 8th Police District.
Bethel, who has worked in law enforcement for 39 years, including 31 with the Philadelphia Police Department, said he enjoys town halls, adding he can learn of issues he wouldn’t otherwise hear of by always sitting in his office at 400 N. Broad St.
Perhaps some of those comments heard at town halls will contribute to the five-year strategic plans he’s developing.
Bethel said the department is 1,200 officers short, and explained that districts with relatively little crime – such as the 5th, 7th and 8th districts – have more officers who are nearing retirement. In fact, DeBlasis said eight officers retired in a recent week, with only their sick time remaining. The captain thanked Bachmayer for detailing officers to the 8th from within the Northeast Police Division.
People understood the staffing issues, but hoped for more officers. Their complaints included a lack of police presence on side streets that allows car thefts and break-ins.
DeBlasis said he will again deploy officers to the Pennypack Park area near Frankford Avenue and Ashburner Street, a program he introduced in 2021, to keep visitors from trashing the park. Officers will be in the area from Memorial Day weekend through September. The 8th will continue to monitor activity near the Delaware River at Linden Avenue, the captain said. And a stolen auto detail will remain in place in the evening and early-morning hours.
Cram credited the 8th with doing a good job with traffic enforcement.
One woman complained that the 8th holds some Police Service Area meetings in the afternoon when people are at work.
“That’s why I’m here at 6 o’clock,” Bethel replied.
DeBlasis said a staffing issue led to some PSA meetings in the afternoon, adding that the district is fully staffed and holding PSA meetings at night.
A couple of people complained about speeding on Linden Avenue, between Frankford Avenue and Academy Road, making it hard for residents to pull out of their driveways. They suggested speed cushions as a solution. State Rep. Ed Neilson said he is working on the issue with the office of City Councilman Mike Driscoll.
Bachmayer said he passes that area going to and from work.
“We’ll put our aggressive driver detail out there and try to get compliance,” he said.
After someone complained about a long wait to answer a 911 call, Bethel said the department is working through an issue following a recent upgrade.
“Do not hang up,” he urged people.
A couple of people who live in the 15th Police District issued complaints, including cars parked on sidewalks, tractor trailers parked illegally, loud music in the areas of the 3300 blocks of Guilford St. and Ryan Ave. and speeding on Cottman Avenue, from Roosevelt Boulevard to Frankford Avenue.
As for speeding in general, Neilson said the city passed a law authorizing automated enforcement in seven locations, with state law limiting the use of cameras to five school zones at a given time. Northeast High School is among the seven authorized school zones.
After a woman suggested that at-risk kids be taken to police districts and shown cells, the commissioner said he opposes so-called “scared straight” programs. He recommended programs such as Play It Safe PHL, the Police Explorer Cadets and CORA Services.
A man complained about the traffic snarl mornings outside New Foundations Charter School, at Torresdale Avenue and Rhawn Street, with double parking, parents making U-turns and kids crossing in the middle of the block giving the crossing guard fits.
“She’s got her hands full,” the man said, with DeBlasis promising to address the issue.
Bethel seemed particularly interested in helping combat issues such as underage drinking at local recreation centers.
A representative of Penn Academy A.A. would like cameras to deter vandalism.
A representative of Calvary A.A. said some area youths are “hellbent on destruction,” adding that he’s seen parents drop their kids off outside A.L. FitzPatrick School with booze to take to the party site. Volunteers often have to clean up empty cans and shattered glass.
DeBlasis said there is a recreation center detail, and arrests have been made for underage drinking.
Bethel said the department will work with youth organizations.
“Let’s see if we can build a little bit of a partnership,” he said.
A Wawa representative thanked Bethel for the department’s help in curbing retail theft.
Also in attendance was Danielle Walsh, a retired 2nd Police District officer who now works for Alto, which works to make retail stores safer. Walsh complimented Bethel and the officers and detectives assigned to retail theft initiatives.
Stan Cywinski, president of the Upper Holmesburg Civic Association, thanked Bethel for coming and credited the 8th district with doing a good job.
On behalf of the department, the commissioner thanked people for the positive comments.
“Those words matter,” he said. ••
