PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — During a press conference about the death of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez, Acting Police Commissioner John Stanford pointed to the overall criminal justice system for an increase in crimes that he says have occurred over the last two years.
A little over a week ago, three officers were shot in the line of duty while responding to an incident in Northeast Philadelphia.
Stanford said on Monday, a commander died by suicide, and on Wednesday an active police officer died suddenly from a medical emergency.
He says those events, in addition to the shooting that killed Officer Mendez Thursday night at a Philadelphia International Airport parking garage, are a “reminder of the work that needs to be done.”
“It’s devastating to the city to know that this type of behavior that’s occurring,” Stanford said. “The individuals that are out there need to be held accountable for their actions and what they’re engaged in.”
Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby says the administration needs support, as it’s a lot harder now than it was 10 years ago.
“They’re understaffed … we’re undermanned it’s a lot harder … it seems like they’re the only ones that are being prosecuted in the city,” McNesby said. “So we need the support out there … the community wants public safety. They want to be able to feel safe.”
Stanford says he thinks the “brazen behavior” not being held accounted for following the pandemic and civil unrest has only “emboldened individuals.”
McNesby agrees, saying if people are not prosecuted, it sends a message to others that they can do whatever they want — “shoot police, assault police, and do what they want to do with no repercussions.”
Stanford says homicides and carjackings are down, which is indicative of the hard work of police officers.
Mayor Jim Kenney has ordered flags flown at half-staff for the next 30 days.
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