State Senator Mike Regan | Pennsylvania
State Senator Mike Regan | Pennsylvania
Senator Mike Regan has raised concerns about the severe shortage of police officers in Philadelphia, highlighting the issue as a significant problem for both the city and the state of Pennsylvania. According to Regan, the Philadelphia Police Department currently has 1,500 vacancies, exacerbating safety concerns in a city already facing high crime rates.
Regan criticized the city's District Attorney for allegedly empowering criminals by refusing to prosecute and releasing perpetrators back into the community immediately after arrest. "It is no wonder the police department is struggling to recruit new officers," he said. "Who wants to risk their lives for crimes that will just be thrown out by a DA who favors lawlessness?"
The senator emphasized that this issue extends beyond Philadelphia, impacting neighboring counties such as Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester. He noted that these areas can offer higher salaries for police officers—over $90,000 compared to Philadelphia's average starting salary of $62,000—making it difficult for Philadelphia to compete.
Regan pointed out that Philadelphia's crime problem affects various aspects of life in Pennsylvania. Parents are hesitant to send their children to universities in the city; businesses are leaving or avoiding setting up operations there; and tourists are deterred by open drug markets and violent crime.
The city's Office of the Controller provides up-to-date mapping of "Philadelphia’s Gun Violence Crisis." As of June 11, 2024, there have been 120 homicides in Philadelphia this year alone. In previous years, there were 410 homicides in 2023 and 514 in 2022. So far this year, there have been 468 shooting victims with 106 fatalities.
Regan argued against attributing these numbers solely to gun control issues: "I will remind them that the overwhelming majority of crimes involving a firearm are committed using an illegally obtained gun."
In his call for action, Regan stressed that improving safety and security starts with hiring more police officers and offering competitive salaries. He expressed his willingness to work across party lines to develop solutions aimed at restoring safety in Philadelphia.
"We need to bring the Philadelphia Police Department back to full complement and pay these brave souls a competitive salary," he concluded.
Senator Mike Regan represents Pennsylvania’s 31st Senatorial District covering parts of Cumberland and York Counties.
Contact: Bruce McLanahan at 717-787-8524
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