Title
Honoring and recognizing the 18th Police District Tactical Squad for its valiant efforts to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety in West Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, Police District Tactical Squads proactively target specific community issues whether they be violent, property, or quality of life crimes; and
WHEREAS, P/O Kevin Tilghman, P/O Kevin Semonelle, P/O Peter Sztenderowicz, P/O George Tsoflias, P/O Kevin Krowicki, P/O Joseph McCarthy, P/O Aaron Turner, P/O Eric Schroder, P/O Brandon Sweeney, P/O Zachary DePerro, P/O Jeffrey Bascomb, and P/O Jessie West serve on the 18th District Tactical Squad, which covers Cobbs Creek and University City; and
WHEREAS, In 2022, the 18th District Tactical Squad made a record high number of firearms arrests during a time when Philadelphia saw a record high in gun violence. This same year, the 18th District had a 16% reduction in shooting victims; and
WHEREAS, In 2022 and 2023, the 12 officers, just ten percent of the District staffing level, made nearly 70% of the firearm arrests in the 18th District; and
WHEREAS, In total, the officers completed 287 arrests for Part 1 offenses (murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, etc.), 152 Part 2 Offenses (simple assault, curfew offenses and loitering, embezzlement, disorderly conduct, etc.), and 256 firearm offenses (Violations of the Uniform Firearm Act (VUFA)); and
WHEREAS, On 1/25/2022 at 9:15pm, P/O Turner and P/O Schroder initiated a vehicle stop at 5300 Baltimore Avenue. During which, P/O Turner was dragged for multiple city blocks by the operator of the vehicle. Both officers were eventually able to effect the arrest without further incident. The male was charged with VUFA, Narcotics, Aggravated Assault on Police, Kidnapping, and related offenses; and
WHEREAS, On 11/16/2022 at 8:36pm, P/O Sweeney and P/O DePerro responded to a report of a shooting at 5400 Market Street. The officers located the shooter with...
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