Philly Murder Rate "Disturbing"

March 12, 2007 -- Many believe the murder rate in Philadelphia is spiraling out of control. And the big question is what can be done to stem the tide?

Action News has been reporting on the homicide problem in the city, but a number of us were taken aback when we compared Philadelphia Police homicide numbers with those of NYPD, LAPD and Chicago PD. The crisis is clearly on the radar screen at City Hall where, amongst members of Mayor John Street's administration, the homicide rate has been the topic of the day.

John Street told those in attendance Monday, "It's a real tragedy, I mean it is a real tragedy!"

Mayor John Street was showing his frustration Monday night as he summoned key members of his administration including the police commissioner and others to discuss the continuing rise in homicides.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson said, "The numbers are disturbing, and we will try everything we can to stop it."

An Action News survey found that Philadelphia has a significantly higher number of homicides this year than America's three largest cities. As of 5pm, Philadelphia had recorded 76 homicides for the year, compared with 66 in New York City, 59 in Los Angeles and 53 in Chicago.

"It is very disturbing to myself obviously, to other police officers who serve the City of Philadelphia, and we will continue to go out there and do everything we can to improve the quality of life in this city," said Johnson.

A recent study by the Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington-based law enforcement think tank, found that Philadelphia - like many other major cities - has seen a continuing rise in homicides since 2004. In that year, Philadelphia recorded 330 homicides, 377 in 2005, and 404 in 2006. Mayor Street's critics contend that hiring more cops is part of the answer.

Street commented by saying, "Trust me, if we could hire another 300 or 400, 500 officers and if we thought that would end it, we would have hired them years ago, unfortunately it's not quite so simple."

Instead, the mayor contends it's a social problem that needs the involvement of all. He agrees with others, like Phil Goldsmith who last week became President of Cease-Fire Pennsylvania, that we desperately need tougher gun laws.

Goldsmith is quoted as saying, "Until we start to minimize the easy availability of hand guns, we're (going to) continue down this road. I don't think it's the only answer but frankly, I think it's the cheapest answer." In an extraordinary move, Goldsmith says he joined the NRA last week to emphasize that people of different mindsets have to come together to solve this problem.

What's clear is this: two years' worth of double digit increases in homicides demonstrates an unmistakable pattern in the extent and nature of crime.

(Copyright 2007 by Action News and 6abc. All Rights Reserved.)

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