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Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Police Department’s “Women in Patrol” and honoring five decades of women’s service and leadership in law enforcement.
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WHEREAS, In 1974, a 10-year police veteran Officer Penelope Brace filed a discrimination suit against the city, alleging they would not promote her because of her gender; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Justice filed a case arguing that discriminatory policies excluding women in the police force were unconstitutional and, after the cases were consolidated, culminated in a trial; and
WHEREAS, Upon completion of a two-year study, the judge rejected the City’s argument that women were unable to competently serve as police officers and a decree was issued ending hiring policies that discriminated against women and ordering the City to hire 100 female officers; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, those first 100 women were hired by the Philadelphia Police Department to serve on street patrol; and
WHEREAS, Brace went on to become the city’s first female detective, serving as a sergeant in Kensington’s East Detective Division in 1982; and
WHEREAS, These reforms paved the way for other trailblazers like Maureen Rush - one of the first 100 - - who went on to serve as the Vice President for Public Safety and Superintendent of Police at the University of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Women currently make up 22 percent of Philadelphia police officers, above the national average of 12 percent; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Police Department has committed to the 30x30 Pledge, a national initiative to increase the representation of women in policing to 30 percent by the year 2030; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Police Department’s “Women in Patrol” and honoring five decades of women’s service and leadership in Philadelphia law enforcement.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Police Department’s “Women in Patrol” as evidence of the sincere appreciation and gratitude of this legislative body.
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