Title
Proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to establish the Office of the Chief Public Safety Director of the City of Philadelphia; providing for the method of appointment of the Chief Public Safety Director and defining their powers, duties, and areas of responsibility; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, The safety of Philadelphians is of the utmost importance, and strategically reorienting the resources at our disposal is an innovative approach to public safety. Increased collaboration amongst our safety-oriented City agencies can improve the services and security of Philadelphians; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the country, municipalities have established Public Safety Directors that oversee public safety departments such as Police, Fire, Prisons, Recreation, Emergency Services, and Jobs & Training Agencies and violence prevention agencies. These Directors have oversight over public safety-oriented departments to increase cooperation, efficiency, and the effectiveness of their individual work. They work closely with department heads to create a collaborative environment in which each department can operate at its full potential; and
WHEREAS, Cities such as Chicago, Newark, and Columbus have established Public Safety Directors in efforts to facilitate collaboration between safety-oriented City agencies. Directors typically oversee the budget, operations, plans, and development of City departments, providing guidance and approval. They increase efficiency, communication, and equity amongst these related departments; and
WHEREAS, Under Section 6 of the First Class City Home Rule Act (Act of April 21, 1949, P.L. 665, ?6, 53 P.S. ?13106), an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter may be proposed by a resolution of the Council of the City of Philadelphia adopted with the concurrence of two-thirds of its elected members; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE...
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