Philly's New Police Commissioner Named

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia's next Police Commissioner has been named by Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker.

Parker has appointed Kevin Bethel to lead the department as the new commissioner.

Bethel has been a member of the force for 29 years and has served as Deputy Police Commissioner of Patrol Operations, as well as Chief of School Safety for The School District of Philadelphia.

He is taking over for former commissioner Danielle Outlaw, who left the department in September.

Since her departure, John M. Stanford Jr. has been the interim commissioner.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Bethel "brings strong credentials – and promise – to the post of Police Commissioner."

"I look forward to partnering with incoming Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel and Mayor-Elect Parker toward our common goals of improving detective staffing and officer patrols; incapacitating violent offenders more quickly by solving more shootings; faster trial resolutions with fewer delays due to absent witnesses or inmate transportation failures; and – in the words of Mayor-elect Parker – ‘zero tolerance for any misuse and/or abuse of authority’ by police," Krasner said.

The School District of Philadelphia's Board of Education congratulated Bethel on his new role.

"While we recognize that his transition represents a significant loss for the School District, we are confident that Commissioner Bethel will bring his unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership to the broader realm of public safety in our city," the district said in a statement. "His visionary approach and commitment to both passion and pragmatism have left an indelible mark on the School District, and we anticipate that these qualities will continue to positively impact Philadelphia under his new role."