Philadelphia
Philadelphia: Tackling a Rising Tide of Homicides
At the Crossroads: A Need for Decisive Action
In 2021, Philadelphia saw a record 562 homicides, a 12% increase from the year before. This surge in violence highlighted the urgent need for a new public safety approach. With 1.6 million residents spread across 140 square miles and diverse crime trends, traditional policing was no longer enough. In response, the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD), under Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and Interim Commissioner John Stanford, launched data-driven initiatives to reduce violence and modernize operations.
A Plan for Change
In 2020, the PPD introduced its Crime Prevention and Violence Reduction Action Plan, laying the foundation for a new era in policing. Focused on crime prevention and reduction, community engagement, and operational excellence, the plan prioritized targeted interventions and strategic resource allocation. By leveraging innovative tools and strengthening community partnerships, the plan aimed to build a safer, more resilient city.
Operation Pinpoint: Zeroing in on High-Risk
A cornerstone of the 2020 Action Plan, Operation Pinpoint combines community-oriented policing with intelligence-led tactics. Philadelphia PD’s Director of Research and Analysis conceived of three ways to leverage data to advance the mission: Operation Pinpoint, Crime Information Centers, and the Mobility Project. With philanthropic support, The Policing Lab was brought in to work with the senior management team to build out and support the implementation of the department’s mission to reduce violence in the city. By combining geospatial analysis, real-time data, and officer insights, this targeted approach ensures effective resource allocation and allows the department to address violence where it’s most needed.
Crime Information Centers: Turning Data into Actionable Intelligence
Crime Information Centers (CICs) are decentralized hubs across the city that analyze and share real-time crime data. Established with a $1.5 million grant from the Philadelphia Police Foundation, CICs bring together civilian analysts and officers to identify crime patterns, allocate resources more effectively, and improve public safety. These neighborhood centers strengthen the department's ability to act quickly and strategically.
The Mobility Project: Empowering Officers in the Field
The Mobility Project equips officers with CJIS-compliant smartphones, giving them real-time access to critical data while on patrol. The Project enhances communication between officers in the field and allows them to make informed, timely decisions. Additionally, Philly Stat 360, modeled after COMPSTAT, promotes interagency collaboration on quality-of-life issues and nuisance crimes, creating a more holistic approach to community safety.
Outcomes That Make a Difference: A Safer Philly
The impact of the 2020 Action Plan is already evident:
- Homicides dropped by 24% from January to September 2023, compared to the same period in 2022
- Several districts saw significant reductions in violence
- Increased foot patrols and neighborhood collaboration helped raise public trust in the PPD and improved community engagement
By enhancing decision-making, enhancing resource allocation, and boosting operational efficiency, these innovative initiatives have strengthened the PPD’s ability to respond to crime in real time. They offer valuable lessons for other cities seeking game-changing approaches to modern policing.
