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File #: 220884    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 10/27/2022 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 10/27/2022
Title: Authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold a public hearing examining the true cost of crime on Philadelphia residents.
Sponsors: Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Thomas, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Gym, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson
Attachments: 1. Signature22088400

Title

Authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold a public hearing examining the true cost of crime on Philadelphia residents.

 

Body

WHEREAS, There has been an ongoing crisis of senseless gun violence in the City of Philadelphia. In 2021, there were over 500 homicides and thousands of shootings. As of October 24, 2022, there has been 437 homicides and over 1,000 non-fatal shootings; and

 

WHEREAS, This year alone, shootings at recreation centers, schools, and holiday celebrations have rocked the city to its core; and

 

WHEREAS, According to the Philadelphia Inquirer and a recent report by the city, each murder costs $1.42 million in medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage and criminal justice costs-- 351 homicides in 2018 had an economic cost of nearly $500 million. Non-fatal shootings cost nearly $50,000 dollars in medical expenses and a loss in productivity. A separate report by the Philadelphia Controller found that shootings reduce property values. They also found that a 10% decrease in homicides would boost the amount of tax revenue that the city collects by $114 million; and

 

WHEREAS, The cost of gun violence for citizens is not just economic. It also carries a significant emotional impact as well. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 81% of respondents said they were anxious about gun violence and 40% said they have avoided going to public places with large gatherings; and

 

WHEREAS, Gun violence cases are severely impacting the youth of Philadelphia. In August of 2022, a seven-year-old was hit in the thigh by crossfire while playing video games on a Saturday night, a 17-year-old girl was fatally shot while she was walking her dog in September, and a 14-year-old was fatally shot following a high school football scrimmage on September 27th. According to NPR, in 2020, guns were the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1-19 years of age; and

 

WHEREAS, The financial impact of gun violence, the emotional trauma it has caused for Philadelphia residents, and the true impact of crime should be further studied and investigated; and now therefore be it,

 

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby authorizes the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold a public hearing examining the true cost of crime on Philadelphia residents.

 

End