Philadelphia Police Commissioner to Step Down

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw—the city's first Black female to lead the department—is stepping down from her post later this month, the city announced Tuesday.

“Commissioner Outlaw has worked relentlessly for three and a half years during an unprecedented era in our city and a number of crisis situations, and she deserves praise for her commitment to bring long-overdue reform to the Department after years of racism and gender discrimination prior to her appointment,” Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement.

Outlaw, who had been with the department for just over three years, has accepted a position as the Deputy Chief Security Officer at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Her final day as Philadelphia police chief is Sept. 22.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve during Mayor Kenney’s administration and alongside each member of the Philadelphia Police Department,” Outlaw said in a statement. “The hard work, resilience, and professionalism of our force is truly commendable. Our team has shown incredible adaptability and has worked tirelessly to maintain our pillars of organizational excellence, crime prevention and reduction, and community engagement and inclusion even in the face of adversity. My staff’s teamwork, innovative thinking, and determination have kept the Department moving forward, and for that, I am extremely grateful.”

First Deputy John M. Stanford Jr. has been tapped by the mayor to be the interim commissioner.