SafeStreetsPhilly

WHAT YOU CAN DO: 

We can't emphasize enough the importance of COMPLAINING about quality-of-life offenses to the police, our city council, and the mayor; plus, educating property owners, businesses, and residents about their rights & responsibilities to keep their sidewalks free from "Prohibited Conduct" under Titles 9 & 10, and the responsibility of the police and District Attorney's Office to enforce the law.
SEE: FLYER
 

• CALL CALL CALL 911!  And keep calling. Your call matters. And it doesn't have to be just in your neighborhood. Call whenever you see those who are sleeping on the street and/or panhandling, as well as drug addicts & mentally disabled who appear in need. By calling 911, the police must come out and a record is established that can be used by the Mayor and City Council in their decision-making process. Use a business-like voice. Give the 911 operator the address or coordinates (ex: northeast corner of Walnut and 12th Streets), and a brief description. It is important to say that those sitting on the sidewalk are "blocking the sidewalk". Do not get flustered if you cannot give a complete description, as it is not necessary. You do not have to remain at the scene.  If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, then keep calling, and/or you can ask for the police 'supervisor'.  Some have suggested calling 311 or Homeless Outreach, but we find this less productive. The police will also contact Homeless Outreach when necessary.
   
• Make sure that the police issue a Civil Violation Notice (CVN) and make an arrest if  the offender does not cooperate or returns to the scene, or to another location in Philadelphia, to commit the same offense. The Police Commissioner issued a Directive to that effect.
   
• ASK FOR REMOVAL OF SEPTA BENCHES: When the city removed the SEPTA benches across from Macy's on Market Street, it made the biggest difference in the discouragement of the homeless, panhandlers, drunks, and miscreants to hang there. It was like a miracle. No bus passengers were using those bus stops because of it.  We strongly urge the city to remove all seating for bus stops, as they are a magnet for bad behavior.

• CALL / EMAIL your local POLICE DISTRICT if the problem persists - https://www.phillypolice.com/districts-units/index.html
   
• EMAIL the Police Commissioner: Police.Commissioner@phila.gov
   
• EMAIL the District Attorney: LarryKrasner@Phila.gov
   
• PRESS CHARGES if you have someone who will not leave from in front of your store or home. This will require you to go to Central Detectives at 21st and Hamilton Streets (for Center City residents). 
   
• CONTACT YOUR PoliticalReps.htm if problems persist.
   
• COMMENT @ CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: You'll get only 2 minutes, so write it out. (check out "City Council Comments"). City Council meetings are on Thursdays (except July & Aug) at City Hall, Room 400, 1400 JFK Blvd., https://phila.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx At the beginning of the City Council meetings you must sign up to speak. Sign up under any legislation that is listed on the agenda under (BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE). The desk where you sign up is on the right-hand side of City Council facing the President’s desk. The person who handles the sign-ups is usually there around 10:40 am, although the meetings officially start at 10 am. 
   
• HAND-OUTS! Safe Streets Philly FLYER for Property Owners, Tenants, & Businesses! For excessive loitering and other "prohibited conduct" business owners have a 'right and responsibility' to prohibit such conduct under Titles 9 &10 of Philadelphia Code (see below). To discourage prohibited conduct, business may do the following:
   
  • Place "No Loitering" signs outside of your business
  • Remove benches and seating areas unless part of a cafe
  • Use intensive and defensive landscaping and container gardening
  • Install folding security gates for entrances that are set-back/ alcoves
  • Direct staff to move violators on, per Titles 9 & 10 (see below)
  • Call 911, EMAIL Police Commissioner, District Attorney, the Mayor and City Council, your local police district, and us.
     
• Find your council member: https://phlcouncil.com/stay-connected-philadelphia-city-council/
   
  • LOBBY for enforcement of Titles 9 and 10, and for more shelter space, housing, & services for the homeless, mentally ill, and drug addicts, contact Mayor Kenney and Philadelphia City Council
     
  • TALK to businesses who allow panhandlers, etc. in front of their establishments. We have had a lot of success contacting/emailing the corporate CEOs of chain stores in the downtown area, when local management is unresponsive.