"I'm very proud of what the Philadelphia Police Department has done over the last two years. I do not, in anyway shape or form, want to minimize the significance of what has been accomplished," Mayor Nutter said.
Surrounded by Ramsey and deputies the administration announced a remarkable drop in some major crimes since they came in office.
Comparing stats now to 2007, they note:
Murders are down 22.2%
Homicides down 22.2%
Vehicle Thefts Down 37.2%
Robberies Down 12.1%
Aggravated Assault Down 9.6%
Burglaries Down 6.3%
Rape Down 6%
As impressive as some of the numbers are, the two aren't satisfied.
"We can't afford to become complacent, we can't be satisfied, we still have far to much violence on the streets of our city," said Ramsey.
All the more remarkable is that the city is noting a reduction in crime despite budget constraints.
Never mind that 2010 doesn't look brighter financially, yet the two expect more.
"All of us are going to have do, quite frankly, a little more with more than likely a little less. As the Commissioner said earlier that's not an excuse that's the reality of our situation," said Nutter.
A new partner in the war is Seth Williams; he notes that despite officers making arrest after arrest, 6 of 10 get thrown out because the D.A.'s office wasn't ready.
"For some reason in the system, the system broke down so now it's my turn to try and work with the Mayor, work with the courts to correct that problem."
Ramsey says for 2010 they will continue to focus on violent crimes, guns and gangs without losing site of property crimes. Also some districts like the 22nd and 23rd and the 3rd and 4th in South Philadelphia will be merged for efficiency.
