Philadelphia has launched a new office focused on coordinating public safety efforts across the city. The Office of Public Safety (OPS), established by executive order and announced last month, aims to synergize processes between various departments and the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD), as shared in a recent publication from the city's official website.
The office, led by Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer, brings together five divisions previously operating under the Managing Director’s Office, including the Office of Safer Neighborhoods and the Office of the Victim Advocate, among others. These offices tackle a range of issues, from violence prevention to support for crime victims and reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals into the community. The OPS has not only expanded its team with new roles but also, received federal support for key initiatives, showing signs of early success in addressing the city's safety challenges.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker expressed strong support for the newly appointed Geer, stating, "I have complete faith in Adam Geer and the Office of Public Safety to lead our City’s efforts in making Philadelphia a Safer, Cleaner, Greener city with access to economic opportunities for All," further emphasizing the commitment to eradicating gun violence. Major strides have been made by the OPS with a crime-scene cleanup pilot praised at a national level and an impressive procurement of four grants aimed at combating community violence among other pressing issues.
One significant funding victory, as detailed on the city's website, was the over $600,000 received for the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy, backed by Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. The grant will see the GVI working closely with the Office of Children & Families to target youth in high-risk areas. Moreover, the Office of the Victim Advocate rolled out a new initiative ensuring that victims of gun violence are not only acknowledged but provided with necessary resources. At the community level, the Office of Reentry Partnerships introduced Neighborhood Resource Centers to offer comprehensive services for individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration.
These early but meaningful initiatives by the OPS appear to set a foundation for more integrated and effective approaches to public safety in Philadelphia, with an overarching goal that echoes through Mayor Parker's vision — creating a city that is safe and prosperous for all its residents.
