by KYW's Mike Dunn
Philadelphia's new police commissioner, Charles Ramsey, wants to hear your ideas on fighting crime. And you'll get the chance at six community meetings that begin this coming week.
Commissioner Ramsey (above) has until month's end to present to a comprehensive crimefighting plan to Mayor Nutter (see related story), and he wants the public's input. Ramsey will host six open meetings starting Monday, one in each of the city's police divisions:
"I've got a plan that I've got to present to the mayor within the next few weeks. And I want to make sure that I listen to as many people as possible. And certainly one way of doing it is by having a series of town hall meetings."
Ramsey says it is important to get to all parts of the city, since the policing needs can greatly vary from division to division:
"You can't have community policing without community. You've got to listen, and understand what it is that their concerns and needs are, so we can tailor our strategy to meet those needs."
The town hall meeting schedule is as follows:
- Monday, 1-14-2008, 7pm: South Phila. High School, Broad & Snyder Ave.
- Tuesday, 1-15-2008, 7pm: Lincoln High School, Rhawn & Rowland St.
- Wednesday, 1-16-2008, 7pm: Stetson High School, B & Allegheny Ave.
- Thursday, 1-17-2008, 7pm: William Penn High School, 1333 N. Broad St.
- Tuesday, 1-22-2008, 7pm: Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, 2251 N. 54th St.
- Wednesday, 1-23-2008, 7pm: Martin Luther King High School, Stenton & Haines.