Public Safety

Our Mission

The East Point Breeze Neighbors (EPBN) Public Safety Committee helps serve as a liaison between the neighbors in the EPBN service area, the police, other neighborhood groups and city agencies with a focus on safety and quality of life. The geographic boundaries of East Point Breeze Neighbors involves two separate Philadelphia Police Districts: the 17th District, which covers the area west of Broad between Lombard Street and Moore Street, and the 1st District, which covers the area west of Broad Street and south of Moore Street in South Philadelphia.

Have a question on which Police District specifically services your area? The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) has more information here: PPD Districts & Units

Through partnerships with the police, city agencies, neighborhood groups and of course residents themselves, the Public Safety Committee helps the police identify problem areas and neighborhood issues, from more serious crimes to nuisance activities, engages with the officers of the Police Service Areas (PSAs) and keep updated on pertinent information the police have about crime(s) in the community, provides resources and guidance to residents on resolving neighborhood issues and builds awareness of safety and quality of life in the neighborhood.

Our Involvement

The Public Safety Group acts on its mission through frequent engagement with the police, other community groups and the residents of East Point Breeze Neighbors. There are many different avenues for involvement that take place on a monthly basis:

• Neighborhood Walk: Takes place on the first Tuesday of each month, meeting at 18th and Federal at 7PM (unless otherwise specified for a given month). Meet other neighbors, learn more about the neighborhood, and report conditions in need of attention from the city using the 3-1-1 mobile app.

• 17th Police District Captain’s Meeting: Takes place on the second Tuesday of each month, meeting at 1201 S. 20th St. at 5:30PM. Meet the 17th District officers, hear community updates from the police, and report concerns you may have.

• 17th Police District Town Watch Meeting: Takes place on the second Thursday of each month, meeting at 1201 S. 20th St. at 6PM. Meet other residents while discussing activities in the area and working on projects to help support our local police, including fundraising, beautification and special holiday events.

• 1st Police District Town Hall and Police District Advisory Committee (PDAC): Takes place on the third Tuesday of each month, meeting at 2301 South 24th St. Meet the 1st District officers, hear community updates from the police, and report concerns you may have. In addition, the PDAC serves to help support the police in their local communities.

• 17th District Police Service Area (PSA) 3: Takes place on the third Thursday of each month, meeting at 1327 S. 19th Street (Gospel Temple Baptist Church) at 6PM. The PSA 3 is a subset of the 17th District police area, covering Federal Street to Moore Street and Broad Street to 25th Street. Learn about crime in the neighborhood, report any concerns you may have, and get to know the local Lieutenant and other residents.

• 7th Police District Advisory Council (PDAC): Takes place on the fourth Tuesday of each month, meeting at 1201 S 20th St. at 6PM. Help support the community through event planning, fundraising and other demonstrations of support for the local police.

• 17th Police Service Area (PSA) 1: Takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month, meeting at 1901 Christian St. (SOSNA Office) at 6:30PM. The PSA 1 is a subset of the 17th District police area, covering Federal Street to Washington Ave, Broad Street to the Schuylkill river.  

*Note that the set schedule may be subject to change when certain days fall on a holiday or due to a national event such as the presidential election. Be sure to double check the calendar for that particular month to confirm a particular meeting is taking place.

9-1-1 versus 3-1-1: What’s The Difference? I Don’t Want To Get It Wrong!

9-1-1:

People often have the impression that 9-1-1 should be used only for immediate and catastrophic emergencies such as violent crime, medical trouble or a house fire. This is not true! Philadelphia 9-1-1 is Philadelphia’s call center for all crimes and all emergencies, major or minor. If in doubt, call 9-1-1. At every meeting, the police encourage citizens to call 9-1-1 when experiencing a problem. Don’t assume someone else will call! The simple fact is that if the police don’t know about it, they can’t work to resolve the issue, and if you don’t call, they have no way to track incidents. You do not have to identify yourself or give additional contact information, though you may of course choose to do so.

Tips for making 9-1-1 calls:

• If calling to report a crime in progress, note the number of people involved and as much information about their physical description as possible, including clothing and identifying marks (tattoos, scars etc).

• If a vehicle is involved, note the car color, make, model and if possible the license plate.

• Give as precise of a location as possible, including address and/or cross streets.

For more on how to contact the police department, visit the Philadelphia Police website: Philadelphia Police Contacts

3-1-1:

Philadelphia has a robust and responsive non-emergency reporting system known as 3-1-1. It may be accessed by phone, mobile app, online or in person. 3-1-1 should be used for non-emergency, non-criminal activities such as (but not limited to) potholes, overgrown lots, graffiti removal or abandoned vehicles. Reports may be submitted, tracked and verified through 3-1-1’s online system.

For more information on submitting a 3-1-1 request, visit the City of Philadelphia’s 3-1-1 homepage: Philadelphia 3-1-1

Philadelphia Police SafeCam Program

As the costs of a home security camera have come down in the recent years, more and more citizens are installing such cameras to help deter crime and to create a record for when an incident does occur. Recognizing the value of private home cameras, the Philadelphia Police have created a program to allow residents to notify the police that the resident has such a camera and is willing to share the video footage with the police in the event of a crime. Find out more about registering your camera with the Philadelphia Police on the SafeCam website: Philadelphia Police SafeCam Program

City-Living Safety Tips

Taking a few extra precautions can help minimize your chance of becoming a victim. Crime can happen anywhere, to anyone, but being aware can help reduce crimes of opportunity, by far the most common type of crime.

• Keep windows and doors locked when not present and double check they are locked before leaving to travel.

• Ask a friend or neighbor to check on the house and pick up your mail and flyers if you go out of town. You can also suspend mail service by visiting the post office website, and request a sticker informing businesses you would prefer not to receive such flyers: Circular Free Sticker application.

• Double check your car doors are locked. Do not leave valuables visible in your car. Bring them into the house with you, or place them out of site in the trunk.

• Be cautious when walking with headphones in or while talking on the phone, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings.

• Keep both a front and back light on to increase visibility and deter would-be thieves.

• Always lock up your bike and store it inside at night if possible. The simple reality is that bikes left on Philadelphia streets unlocked or for extended periods - even with locks - will be stolen.

• Be aware of what you are setting out on trash night. A box prominently sitting out for a brand new big screen TV may tip off a burglar that there is something worth taking.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Email us at publicsafety@newboldneighbors.org