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. “

 

   

West Philadelphia High School A Safe Haven For Hurricane Sandy Evacuees



red cross volunteers smile as they pass out oranges



    

helen mae reisner & norma edwards volunteer nurses

A hurricane can be defined as a tropical cyclone, a storm with winds that blow at a minimum of 74 miles per hour. Along with strong winds a hurricane can be accompanied with heavy rain, thunder and lightning. Hurricane Sandy made her presence felt late Sunday afternoon with temperatures dropping, sporadic gusts of wind and heavy rain. Mayor Nutter, through a press conference, urged “to all residents if you live in a low line area, if you live in a flood prone area you need to relocate right now.” To assist evacuees that do not have anywhere to go, The City of Philadelphia has provided emergency shelter to its residents at West Philadelphia High School, Roxborough High School and Samuel Fels High School. Mayor Nutter explains those site were picked for a reason, “they are large, they are relatively new and they are able to accommodate a large number of people as well as pets,”  At West Philadelphia High School, the emergency response team appeared prepared and ready to serve Philadelphian evacuees. There are Red Cross workers, Police Officers, Civic Volunteers walking quietly through the hallways. ” My apartment is on the Mill Creek and last year my whole apartment was flooded and I was unwilling to learn that lesson again.” I am disabled , I came here so that me and my grandchildren would be safe.” “Once Mayor Nutter had said The New West building, I was out,” Ms. Iceland of the Lucien Blackwell Apartments  explained. ” I am glad that I came and I feel safe,” she continued. The Gymnasium was quiet with neatly lined cots covered in Red Cross blankets. “I am homeowner,” Mrs. Jenell  Anderson of South West Philadelphia explains . “I am scared to death of trees falling on my house. ” “The roof is not stable and it may collapse.” “ I rushed so fast to West Philadelphia High School that I brought my school books but forgot my clothing and personal items.” The Red Cross has been great they gave me a sweat suit and a bag of toiletries,” Anderson revealed. There is an intergenerational group of volunteers in the building that range from  seniors to college students .  Helen Mae Reisner a nurse administrator for the United States Postal Service and a volunteer nurse for this Hurricane Relief effort  explains,” I have been doing this for a long time I am here to serve and offer comfort to the evacuees. “ Alongside Helen is Norma Edwards a 21 year nurse veteran for the City of Philadelphia . “I worked for the city for 21 years at health center #4.” “This is what we do, we are involved in many civic operatives regarding nursing.” “We are with the medical reserves, first responders and today volunteers for the relief effort implemented here at West Philadelphia High School,” Edwards explained.  If you are a pet owner, there is also a section in the school for pets. At that time the shelter contained 5 cats.  Janet from the Philadelphia County Animal Rescue Team PCART explains , ” After Katrina people were unwilling to leave their animals and so the Red Cross concluded that shelters should be set up for residents  and their pets.” In the cafeteria Red Cross workers are anxiously passing out sandwiches and fresh fruit. The area is quiet and there is a sense of contentment. People are playing cards, game boards , children’s feet are kicking under the table gently as they wait in anticipation for their mothers to peel their oranges. It still is the beginning and the storm has yet to arrive but amidst this potential crisis The City of Philadelphia  is prepared with what feels like a safe haven for its South West and West Philadelphian Residents. Karimu Abena Hamilton                                                                             

ms. iceland of lucien blackwell apartments