Philadelphia Police Department's new deputy commissioner to focus on public safety in Kensington

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Police Department's newest member of senior leadership is being tasked with handling the ongoing public safety crisis in the Kensington section.

Pedro Rosario was introduced by Mayor Cherelle Parker and Commissioner Kevin Bethel as the department's newest deputy commissioner on Thursday.

"We're going to focus on Kensington," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said. "It is one the most challenging areas in America. Not just in the city, in America."

Rosario is the first Latino deputy commissioner in the police department's 225-year history.

He has 29 years of experience with the department, spending much of it in the 24th and 25th police districts, where Kensington is located.

"We understand the challenges that we face as we embark on that work to deal with the drugs, and the crime, and the issues that are happening in Kensington," Bethel said.

Mayor Cherelle Parker said, "We're going to produce a comprehensive plan to use every resource available to eliminate open-air drug markets in neighborhoods, like Kensington."

Rosario said he believes Kensington hasn't been made a priority in the past, and he feels now is the time to take action.

"Obviously the situation we have in Kensington is incredibly complicated. It's something that's been taking place for decades. I know there are going to be missteps because we are imperfect people," he said.

"What do I think a success is? Let me make this very basic for you: for all the parents in the room, anyone who has driven by Kensington, it's not something I would ever want to subject my two daughters to. What makes it okay for it to be happening here?" he said.

When asked about his plans for Kensington, Deputy Commissioner Rosario didn't share any specifics.

Commissioner Bethel said over the next 100 days, they will start to build a plan to address the crisis in Kensington. He said it won't just be a police action, but one that will rely on community effort and input.

Bethel promised Rosario would get the resources he needs in order to address the problems in Kensington.

Mayor Parker has made combating crime a focus of her new administration.

Roz Pichardo, the founder and executive director of Operation Save Our City, spoke with Action News after city officials announced Rosario's appointment and task.

"I'm hopeful that they can clean this up," Pichardo said of the city's efforts to handle the crisis in Kensington.

"Operation Save Our City" works to help families of homicide victims and those suffering from substance use disorder.

Since 2018, Pichardo said she has reversed more than 2,200 overdoses in Philadelphia. She said she hopes the new administration will offer Kensington the resources she believes it needs.

"We need to make sure the barriers are lifted for those getting into treatment. We also need more healing centers for those who have been affected by gun violence," Pichardo said. "Let's do something more permanent for residents who have been here for a very long time."

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