Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw is set to depart her role at the end of September, as announced by Mayor Jim Kenney on Tuesday.
Outlaw has accepted a new position as Deputy Chief Security Officer with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Her resignation letter was submitted on August 25, and she will continue to serve in her current role through September 22.
Outlaw's historic appointment as the first black woman to lead the Philadelphia Police Department came in February 2020. Her tenure, however, was marked by significant challenges, including civil unrest following the death of George Floyd and a surge in crime rates.
Mayor Kenney lauded Outlaw's efforts in his statement, saying, "Commissioner Outlaw has worked relentlessly for three and a half years during an unprecedented era in our city and a number of crisis situations." He further acknowledged her commitment to reforming the department, which had been plagued by allegations of racism and gender discrimination prior to her appointment.
In her own statement, Outlaw expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. "It has been my honor and privilege to serve during Mayor Kenneys administration and alongside each member of the Philadelphia Police Department," she said. She praised the resilience and professionalism of her team, noting their adaptability and tireless efforts to uphold the department's pillars of organizational excellence, crime prevention and reduction, and community engagement and inclusion.
Outlaw's tenure was not without controversy. Shortly after she assumed her role, the city was embroiled in riots and protests following George Floyd's death in 2020. The city later paid over $9 million in settlements to protestors who alleged excessive and militaristic use of force by the Philadelphia Police Department during peaceful protests.
Moreover, crime rates in Philadelphia have seen a significant increase during Outlaw's tenure. Homicides rose from 353 in 2019 to 499 in 2020, and further increased to 562 in 2021 and 516 in 2022. As of 2023, 296 victims have been reported. Robberies involving a firearm increased by 20 percent in 2022, while commercial burglary saw a 40 percent rise. Retail theft and auto theft also saw significant increases, leading to the closure of several Wawa stores around the city due to crime and drug-related issues.
In the wake of Outlaw's departure, First Deputy Commissioner John M. Stanford, Jr. has been appointed as Interim Police Commissioner. The upcoming mayoral election will determine who gets to appoint the new commissioner, with Democrat Cherelle Parker and Republican David Oh vying for the position.
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