Chester Gun Violence Model Highlighted at Philly Festival

Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland, Chester Police Commissioner Steven Gretsky and Delaware County Attorney Jack StollsteimerPhoto byThe Philadelphia Citizen

Chester is once again leading the way for others by sharing its successful 60 percent drop in gun violence at the 5th annual “Ideas We Should Steal” Festival Dec. 15, writes Roxanne Patel Shepelavy for The Philadelphia Citizen.

Gun violence, both homicides, and non-fatal shootings have gone way down in Chester since 2020 because of its Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods program.

Chester is arresting 70 percent of its murderers, compared to Philadelphia, which is clearing about 40 percent.

In Chester, people who shoot others go to jail, but young men at risk of being involved in violence get jobs, housing, and social service help while being encouraged to put down the gun.

It is a collaborative formula between police and the community that works.

“They know that we’re locking people up — but also that we will work with you,” says Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland. “We’ll help you get through some of those issues.”

Kirkland, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and Chester Police Commissioner Steven Gretsky will talk about Chester’s focused deterrence program at the Philadelphia Festival.

A similar program was piloted in Philadelphia several years ago successfully but funding was halted.

Read more about Chester’s success and the upcoming  “Ideas We Should Steal” Festival at The Philadelphia Citizen.