It's Our City is a project that uses TV, Radio and Web
to promote civic engagement in the Philadelphia region.Does Philadelphia feel safer now that the crime rate has dropped?
Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 at 2:04 pm - by Alan Tu. Filed under: Crime.
How can the crime rate be lower when things seem out of control on the streets of Philadelphia? That’s what’s been going through my mind lately, especially after yesterday’s shooting death of a Philadelphia Police officer. But if you check the police website you’ll see that the homicide rate is down 20% over this time last year. That’s is a big improvement. But I also remember that one of Mayor Michael Nutter’s goals is also to reduce the fear of crime. I applaud him for making the distinction. Because people considering moving to this region, often go more by what they’ve heard about Philly and see in the national headlines. So even if crime is down, perception still matters. So to find out how’s he doing on this front It’s Our City intern Amiekay Richcrick spent some time talking to folks about whether they feel safer.
We also want to know what you think. Do you feel safer now than last year?
We're now accepting questions for our upcoming It's Our City TV show with Philadelphia Managing Director 
September 25th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Psychologically - despite the cop killer issue - yes, Philly feels safer to me. I still miss my old Philly hometown of the 1970s, but it’s better than it was last year. Because now I feel we have a mayor who CARES, and that makes a world of difference. Mayor Nutter is out there, he’s visible, he’s talking, he’s working, he’s taking a stand and he’s doing something. We know he’s THERE. He opened City Hall and he’s taking action in areas that haven’t seen action, and he’s accomplished more in less time than his predecessor did in how long? So yes - I think Philly is a better place now …. but I’m still looking for more changes. I hope Nutter continues with the progress he’s making, I hope he doesn’t slack off or loosen the reins. I think Philly is safer - I just wish our cops didn’t have to pay the ultimate price for keeping us safer. I see more cops around and I thank God for them all the time.