Lycoming News

Senator Joe Picozzi, representing Pennsylvania's 5th district, facilitated a meeting between the Pennsylvania Senate Majority Policy Committee and the Philadelphia Police Department in Kensington. The purpose of the gathering was to understand better the difficulties faced by law enforcement officers in Philadelphia.

The session lasted four hours and included discussions on challenges faced by police officers patrolling the area. The state senators examined new initiatives by Mayor Cherelle Parker and the City Council that aim to improve conditions after years of decline in the community.

As part of their visit, senators toured Riverview Wellness Village, a recovery-based housing center established by Mayor Parker. The facility provides housing and services for individuals struggling with drug use, aiming to foster long-term recovery through sustainable habits. Plans are underway to expand capacity with more beds and workforce development programs.

"Public safety is my number one priority," said Sen. Picozzi. "We are appreciative of our city law enforcement who provided firsthand witness to the challenges they face." He emphasized sharing these realities with his colleagues to explore ways to enhance public safety.

Committee Chair Sen. Dave Argall expressed gratitude towards local law enforcement but highlighted the need for additional support: "The brave officers we met with yesterday deserve more than just our thanks – they need more support."

Other attendees included Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, Sen. Cris Dush, and senior staff from Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman’s and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward’s offices. At Picozzi's request, further sessions will be held in Northeast Philadelphia focusing on combating blight and supporting community development initiatives.

In recent legislative action aimed at increasing public safety, the Pennsylvania Senate approved bipartisan legislation creating a new criminal offense for interfering with public transit operations. This initiative was introduced by Sen. Picozzi alongside several other senators in memory of Bernard Gribbin, an Army veteran and SEPTA bus operator killed while on duty in 2023.

Additionally, Act 42 of 2023 authored by Sen. Argall targets organized retail theft by strengthening penalties against looters and thieves while empowering the Attorney General's office to pursue criminal organizations involved in such activities.