Former Metropolitan Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey has departed the District of Columbia and is now the new Police Commissioner in Philadelphia. Sworn in on January 7, 2008, he vowed to pursue assertive and aggressive means to deal with the burgeoning homicides in the crime ridden city. In the month preceding his swearing in, Ramsey was aggressively studying the city and the issues surrounding public safety in the new terrain that he will be leading as the city's new top cop. Immediately upon assuming his newly elected position, Mayor Michael Nutter declared a crime emergency. Ramsey's attention will be focused on efforts to make a noticeable impact.
Mayor Nutter's administration wants an aggressive approach using stop and frisk tactics to send a message to street thugs and other criminal miscreants that the city means business when it comes to crime fighting. Ramsey believes this can be done, but he also understands the critical issues involving constitutional rights, laws, and appropriate policies and protocols that accompany such strategies. He knows this must be conducted carefully if it is to be done and done right under his leadership.
During his tenure in the District of Columbia Ramsey made a significant positive impact and his efforts paid off despite what his critics might say. The homicide rate was substantially reduced and he implemented new police units that directed efforts towards crime reduction in specific areas of the city. Ramsey demonstrated, both in D. C. and Chicago, that he was - and is - a proactive leader. He was never just a mere figurehead with an impressive title wearing a uniform laced with insignia nor was he glued to the seat of his office chair. Ramsey was out there in the community and visible on the streets of the communities he served. He talked to people, listened to their concerns, and observed the real life happenings in neighborhoods of all types. Early on Ramsey understood the wisdom of learning to listen and then listening to learn.
Ramsey is a versatile and capable professional who retains the expertise and skills vitally needed in Philadelphia. The former chief of the nation's capitol is secure enough within himself to know he is not competing in a popularity contest, and he is living proof that his decisions and actions are not constrained by public opinion that can at times be unfair, cruel and fickle. Instead, he remains focused on his purpose, and his goals in the historic city of Philadelphia are to enhance public safety; engage in active crime prevention efforts, and to get the significant crime under control as quickly as possible.
The city of Philadelphia should rejoice in knowing that they have a prize possession in their midst, as Philadelphia's gain is the District of Columbia's loss. Ramsey deserves profound thanks from the Washington Metropolitan region for his contributions - that are too many to count - and he also deserves best wishes for success and happiness as he embarks upon his new role as Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department.
