Protest against plans to move Philadelphia Police headquarters

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- About 75 protesters carrying signs and banners marcher to West Philadelphia High School where a meeting was being held to discuss plans to move Philadelphia Police headquarters to West Philadelphia.

Pointing to what happened in Ferguson and New York, they blasted the proposed plans to transfer the headquarters to the old Provident Mutual Life Insurance building at 56th and Market streets.

Protesters claim there is a growing distrust in police and they do not believe the headquarters should be moved.

"This is a neighborhood that has been terrorized by the police for years now with the Penn Police patrol boundaries extending further and further westward, combined with the patrolling of the Philadelphia Police Department - it's just too much," said Ruby Anderson, Philadelphia Student Union.

Protesters didn't' disrupt the community meeting which was aimed at presenting the proposed $200 million project.

The proposal includes moving the medical examiner's office and the health department to the sight upon its completion in 2018.

One woman expressed her concerns about the move.

"I'm very, very concerned at a time when folks are going crazy over what's happening to our people," said Mama Gail.

Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison says the move is aimed at serving the community better.

"I've always tried to co-locate services in buildings to try and get them closer to for the community," he said.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, who represents the area, says she understands the protesters concerns.

"We're glad they're here. We support openness, discussions and we're happy to talk with them and deal with them on this because we have plenty of time to talk about it," she said.

Meanwhile the protesters say they plan to continue their efforts in the weeks ahead even if it means demonstrating in front of the homes of elected officials.