Philadelphia's newly inaugurated mayor, Sherell Parker, wasted no time in addressing the pressing issue of public safety in the city. In one of her first acts as mayor, she issued an executive order declaring the current levels of crime in Philadelphia a public safety emergency. This action makes history as Parker becomes the first woman and the first black woman to hold the position of mayor in Philadelphia.
Crime statistics compiled by the Philadelphia Police Department reveal a mixed bag of results for the year 2023. While violent crimes experienced a slight increase from 22 to 23 incidents, there was a significant surge in incidents of retail theft and stolen cars. These figures underscore the urgency and importance of Parker's focus on public safety.
