State police return to crime-plagued Chester streets
date this year.
Whelan was joined by local, county, state and federal officials, police and clergy for the press conference, which was held in the parking lot of Grace Church of God in Christ, across the street from the site of the city’s first homicide this year.
“This whole neighborhood has been the scene of a disproportionate amount of violence,” Whelan said.
According to Whelan, the state police presence is part of “Operation Safe Streets,” a multi-tiered approach to combat city crime, especially gun violence, that will also include the county’s Criminal Investigation Division Gun Trafficking Unit, the Chester Police Department, Delaware County Probation and Parole, the Delaware County Sheriff’s office, and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Whelan also unveiled a new $2,500 pilot reward program — complete with a glossy advertising placard — for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone possessing illegal guns, which he said accounts for 90 percent of crime in the city.
“This conversation we are having today started months ago,” said Kirkland, offering thanks to the multiple agencies partnering with the city. “Everyone has a part to do … All of us here are unified in this fight. If we make Chester better, we make other communities better.”
Kirkland blamed “a small, small percentage” of lawbreakers for disrupting the lives of the many great people who live in the city.
“It’s completely unacceptable for any of our residents to live in fear,” said White, echoing the mayor’s sentiments. “The vast majority of Chester residents are hard-working, law-abiding individuals who deserve to feel safe in their own homes.”
White said county officials immediately jumped on board with the initiative.
“It is the right White said.
Troopers last assisted the city in October 2016, working a couple of details a week, according to Chester Police Chief James Nolan IV. He said the overtime during that time period was paid for by the city and state.
The last time the county provided funding for state police was in 2014.
According to Pennsylvania State Police Lt. James J. Hennigan, thing to do,” troopers will be conducting joint patrols with city officers. Whelan said patrols would primarily target high-crime areas, though residents in all city neighborhoods can expect to see them.
“It’s mutually beneficial,” Nolan said of the partnership. “We get manpower and assistance and they get experience in urban crime.”
The press conference followed a warrant sweep in the city that began at 6 a.m. Wednesday, when dozens of law enforcement officers fanned out in search of some 40 suspects identified by Delaware County Probation and Parole as having probation violations and outstanding warrants, including one individual who was wanted for murder.
Nine arrests were made, according to Whelan, but no details were immediately available. The individual wanted for murder remains at large.
Just hours after the press conference, city police were dispatched to a shooting in the 700 block of Ward Street where, according to Nolan, they found a man with a wound to the buttocks.
Individuals can report a crime by calling 911 for emergency response, city police at 610-4477908 or the D.A.’s Gun Task Force at 610-891-4197.