Former Philadelphia Police commissioner hired to assist Wilmington Police

Charles Ramsey, the recently retired commissioner for the Philadelphia Police Department, started a new position Monday as a public safety consultant for the Wilmington Police Department.

Ramsey, who also co-chaired President Barack Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, will assist Wilmington Police Chief Bobby Cummings in his implementation of community focused violence reduction strategies.

“Commissioner Ramsey has been recognized as one of our nation’s leading public safety officials, and is regarded as being at the forefront of modern day policing,” said Mayor Dennis Williams, D-Wilmington, who announced the hiring Monday.

“As the Wilmington Police Department continues to attack violent crime, I am honored to partner with the Commissioner in this effort, as he will provide invaluable expertise and knowledge in this area.”

Ramsey served as the commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department from 2008 until 2015. He also served as president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the Police Executive Research Forum.

Prior to joining the Philadelphia Police Department, Ramsey served as chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia between 1999 and 2007. 

He began his career with the Chicago Police Department in 1968 as a cadet. Over the next thirty years, Ramsey held various positions within the department, including commander of the narcotics division, deputy chief of the patrol division and deputy superintendent.

“The Wilmington Police Department is headed in the right direction, and I believe with further implementation of the 21st Century Policing recommendations we can have an impact in improving police community relations and reducing violent crime,” Ramsey said in a statement.

The Task Force on 21st Century Policing was established in 2014 as a way to strengthen community policing, and build trust between law enforcement and the community.

In June, Cummings released a comprehensive strategic public safety plan and recommendations offered by the Department of Justice’s Violence Reduction Network.

The police department attributes several improvements in Wilmington, including an overall reduction in crime and the indictments of 13 gang members allegedly involved in six homicides and various other crimes, to the public safety plan.

In his new role, Ramsey will assist with the police department’s public safety analysis and strategy development to continue making improvements to public safety in Wilmington.

“As Commissioner Ramsey has led major metropolitan police departments in cities such as Chicago, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, I look forward to gaining his insight and perspective on implementing crime reduction strategies with the Wilmington Police Department,” Chief Cummings said in a statement.