KATHLEEN KANE THE FIRE STARTER

ZERO TOLERANCE

FROM ROCHELLE BILAL SHERIFF ELECT FOR THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Karimu Hamilton




Rochelle Bilal -Sheriff Elect

 

Rochelle Bilal is a native North Philadelphian who has ascended from local police officer, President of the Guardian Civic League, Vice Chair of National Black Police Association, Secretary for Philadelphia Chapter of NAACP, landslide Electee, gracefully poised to become the first woman Sheriff for The City of Philadelphia. The Sheriff, unlike a police officer is an elected official and the highest law enforcement officer with in a county. The Sheriff has a very broad range of powers. The Sheriff has full jurisdiction on crime prevention in all of its elements with- in the presiding county. “I had one teacher in elementary school that took me under her wing and ensured that I graduated.” Bilal reminisces. “”I knew that I was being supported and my life took off after that.” Bilal actually began her career working at the post office. She was unhappy there and felt that the work was mundane. She was approached by the Guardian Civil League a very powerful civil rights organization that represents Philadelphia Police Officers of color. At the time the organization was working a project to recruit more melanated police officers as well as desegregate the Philadelphia Police Department. It was a win, win situation for Bilal because the salary was higher, they offered her early retirement and the job offer would help to relieve her urge to fight against the system from within.

The Domelights Factor; Officers within the force were circulating misogynistic, racist, memorandums throughout The City of Philadelphia internet infrastructure. “I instructed my colleagues to monitor the data and collect.” Bilal explained. After a period of time The Guardian Civic League secured counsel with Brian Mildenberg one of the top anti-discrimination attorney’s in the State of Pennsylvania. The case outcomes resulted in shutting down the Domelights web site, officers were disciplined accordingly and most importantly internet policy was established for the first time with-in the Philadelphia Police Department. “The federal lawsuits are a very critical component to fighting discrimination within any system.” Bilal reflects. ”It sets a legal precedence that gives future plaintiffs a reference point to lean on if and when a similar circumstance arises. “Bilal stresses. When advising newly minted police officers from the academy on how to deal with discrimination of any kind Bilal states; “You must be transparent regarding your position on race and gender early on.” Taking a position and speaking up helps to slow down discriminatory actions with -in the department is Bilal’s methodology. “ I have interrupted many unlawful searches via racial profiling in my day they called me Angela Davis out in the field all the time.” Bilal chuckles.

Colwyn Gate; Colwyn is a Borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Because of Bilal expertise in policy, community relations and administration within the Philadelphia Police Department, The Borough of Colwyn subcontracted her to work on developing the infrastructure of their police department. “We were able to implement directives and guidelines as well as strengthen the relationship between the CPD and the neighborhoods they policed. However; there was a resistance within the department to the changes that Bilal was implementing. This led to the fabrication of a police report and an attempted arrest which was denounced at the time by Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan. Bilal did later on file a lawsuit against the Borough of Colwyn in which there a was settlement.

SHERIFF ELECT; Bilal’s career has come full circle and she was nominated through the Democratic Party to the first woman to serve as Sheriff for the City of Philadelphia. “It is an honor that the people have entrusted me to serve them and their city.”” It is a very important job, there is so much work to do and I am prepared.”” I will be able to shed light on crime and make change as it pertains to all people.” Bilal shared a concern for the disproportionate amount of people of color losing their homes in The City of Philadelphia. “We are going to take a look at home loss and thoroughly inspect all processes and proceedings within the City of Philadelphia.” ”We can support our residents in keeping their homes. “ “There are established legal safeguards, this combined with policy and working very closely with various city programs we will protect home ownership in the City of Philadelphia. “