Philadelphia, PA, October 11, 2024 – Pennsylvania State Senator Jimmy Dillon (D, Philadelphia) and Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Senator Vincent Hughes, have successfully secured $5 million in grant funding for the Philadelphia Police Department allowing public safety improvements across Philadelphia and an additional $200,000 grant for the Philadelphia Police Foundation to install high-quality surveillance cameras in key Northeast Philadelphia locations. These initiatives reflect Senator Dillon’s ongoing commitment to improving safety for local residents, families, and communities.
The $200,000 grant will fund the installation of surveillance cameras at 12 critical locations, including playgrounds, shopping centers, and busy intersections. This infrastructure has the capacity to expand, supporting an additional 100 cameras in the future. The cameras will be integrated into the Philadelphia Police Department’s monitoring system to deter crime and improve response times.
“I raise my children in this community, and I care for my 87-year-old mother in this community,” said Senator Dillon. “I want this community to be a safe place for the people I love,” he continued. “These cameras serve as a vital force multiplier and a proactive tool to stop crime before it starts. Technology can and will help the PPD monitor high-traffic areas and respond faster when issues arise, but we need a comprehensive approach to public safety.”
“We are grateful to Senator Dillon and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for making this funding possible. These high-tech cameras in Northeast Philadelphia will increase the safety of the residents and children who visit these playgrounds, shopping centers, and community spaces,” said PPF Board President Maureen S. Rush, M.S., CPP. President Rush continued, “this technology will deter crime, vandalism, and other quality of life crimes. PPF is proud to play a role in creating a safer environment for the community.”
During his first two years as a State Senator, Dillon made it a priority to meet with the police captains in his district to find out what their specific needs were. The locations of these cameras were hand chosen as “hot spots” by the police captains at the 2nd, 7th, and 8th police districts, displaying Senator Dillon’s commitment to working together toward common goals.
“Our police captains know the needs of this community better than anyone, which is why we worked closely with them to determine the locations for these cameras,” said Senator Dillon. “It shows how effective we can be when we collaborate.”
Surveillance cameras have proven effective in assisting law enforcement by preventing crime, gathering evidence, and providing transparency. They serve as a force multiplier for the police, expanding their reach and ability to monitor high-traffic and high-crime areas in real time. The cameras to be installed offer advanced video analytics and excellent low-light sensitivity, ensuring clear, high-definition footage even in challenging conditions.
In addition, Senator Dillon has secured $5 million in funding to support a broader range of public safety initiatives across the city. These measures include:
- Vehicle Nuisance Abatement – Targeting illegal ATVs, dirt bikes, and disruptive car meetups through specialized law enforcement operations.
- Enhanced School Safety – Deploying additional officers near high-priority schools during dismissal times to ensure a safe environment for students and staff.
- Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) – A program modeled after Los Angeles’ successful initiative to reduce gang-related violence, providing at-risk youth with positive alternatives.
- Ring Camera Initiative – Distributing 1,000 Ring cameras to high-crime areas to encourage community collaboration with law enforcement through shared video footage.
- Police Equipment and Training – Funding new uniforms, equipment, and training to ensure officers have the resources needed to serve the community effectively.
- Promoting Law Enforcement Careers – Expanding the Police Explorer Cadet Program to offer mentorship and career exploration for young people interested in law enforcement.
This initiative focuses on restoring order to the streets, increasing school safety, reducing gang violence, and equipping law enforcement with the resources needed to protect our communities.
“The commitment to making sure our streets, our schools, and our homes are places where Philadelphians can have peace of mind starts with the incredible men and women who put their lives on the line every day,” said Senator Dillon. “The Philadelphia Police Officers show up, no matter what’s waiting for them, because it’s they’re job to serve and protect every one of us,” he continued. “That’s a huge responsibility, so this initiative will ensure they have everything they need to do that job as effectively as possible.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker commended Senator Dillon on his commitment to getting this funding secured.
“This $5.2 million appropriation for public safety in the city of Philadelphia is the largest non-city public safety investment that we have had during my tenure in the city of Philadelphia,” said Mayor Parker. “I want to say thank you to Senator Dillon for not just talking the talk, but for delivering for the city of Philadelphia in a tangible way that we can see, touch, and feel.”
“This $5.2 million dollar investment in our police force and public safety is another testament to the power of teamwork,” said Senator Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair. “Our collective, proactive strategies and investments have helped Philadelphia see the biggest reduction in gun violence among big cities in the country. I’m glad to have done my part and I’m glad to stand with Sen. Dillon to make sure that this gets done. And we’ll keep working to replicate this in more and more communities across Philadelphia.”
The idea to commemorate this funding at a playground was intentional. Families should feel confident that their local parks and playgrounds are secure environments for their kids. By installing surveillance cameras at key locations across Northeast Philadelphia, and supporting our police with record level funding, we ensure these vital community spaces remain safe for everyone.
“The installation of surveillance cameras in public spaces, including our city’s playgrounds, represents a significant step in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community, particularly children and families,” said Susan Slawson, Commissioner for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. “Playgrounds should be safe havens and where residents can gather without fear. This initiative and investment reflect our commitment to protecting these vital areas and allowing them to be the thriving community hubs they should be.”
These initiatives reflect Senator Dillon’s unwavering commitment to public safety and his belief that every family deserves peace of mind when they walk down their street or send their children to school.
