Edited to add comment from today's press announcement.
Michael Nutter has made today's big announcement, and, as speculated, it's former D.C. Chief Charles Ramsey.
Said Mayor-elect Nutter at the announcement: "I am confident that with Ramsey as Police Commissioner of this city we can bring down our homicide rate."
Said Ramsey: "I wouldn't have been interested in the job I didn't think it was a challenge. I have my critics and my supporters, and that's the way life is. I am a big boy and I can handle it."
Ramsey was asked at today's announcement about Nutter's "stop and frisk" (or, as he calls it, "stop, question and frisk") proposal to search people for illegal weapons. Ramsey said it has some appeal. "Stop and frisk is a viable tactic if you have reasonable suspicion," he said.
Ramsey is the former chief of the D.C. police department, where he served from April 21, 1998 to December 28, 2006, the longest tenure ever of a D.C. chief since the district began Home Rule.
He's said to be a big believer in community policing, which he also championed in his hometown, Chicago. He joined the Chicago force as a 18-year-old rookie, and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Superintendent of the Bureau of Staff Services before heading to D.C.
But Ramsey has been known to throw down a crime emergency, the latest in July 2006 after a wave of shootings that was, frankly, far less serious than the one Philly has lived in for two years.
It's important to note that Ramsey's crime emergencies are very different from what Nutter has discussed. Ramsey's merely gave him the ability to change police deployment and require overtime, which cost the district quite a lot: $14 million for Ramsey's emergency in 2006.
Nutter said at today's announcement that he would leave the decision whether to declare a crime emergency up to Ramsey (you will recall that Nutter's crime plan, issued during the primary, said he would declare a crime emergency "on day one" of his administration).
(Now, it would be appropriate to discuss whether Ramsey's strategies in DC were working if he was forced to announce a crime emergency. But, for now, back to the bio.)
Ramsey has had his critics in D.C. When he left, here's how the Post said about him:
Ramsey, a career cop who got as much attention for his personality as his policies, leaves office today as the city's longest-serving chief in more than three decades. As a master of the sound bite, he often spouted off about crimes and railed about topics that were beyond his control, including irresponsible parents and failing schools.
...
His critics -- in the police union, on the D.C. Council and in some crime-ravaged neighborhoods -- view him as a showboat. In many parts of the city, residents say that they don't see enough officers on patrol and that crimes are not investigated quickly or thoroughly. Inside the agency, morale is low, with officers saying that Ramsey overworked them by declaring crime emergencies that took away days off and lasted for months.
Ramsey also drew the attention of Human Rights Watch for his handling of protesters of the World Bank in April, 2000. Apparently, most of the protests went well, but there were glaring exceptions.
We asked a former D.C. resident, fellow blogger Jonathan Tannenwald, for his opinion on Ramsey. He was mixed, noting that a journalist, David Rosenbaum of the New York Times, was murdered in his old neighborhood and the investigation was botched.
Please discuss...
Comments (30)
I'm not familiar with the gentleman but willing to understand his reforms.
Posted by Jasper Zeigler Jr | November 15, 2007 12:55 PM
I am very familiar with Chief Ramsey, having lived in the District during his tenure there. Given my background (which I won't share, but it is nearly "expert", you will just have to trust me) and my knowledge of the Chief, I can confidently say the following: Chief Ramsey has a traditional liberal view on gun ownership--He believes that there shouldn't be any handguns legally owned by private citizens.
If you were ever interested in having a firearms carry permit or owning a handgun for self-defense, apply for your carry permit now. Even though Pennsylvania is a "shall issue" state, Chief Ramsey will change the process so that it will be nearly impossible, or outrageously expensive, to get a firearms permit once he takes office. And when it comes to home use (not carrying), Nutter will rely on Ramsey to make the case, and City Council will go along, for requirements that will make even mere ownership a major hassle. Look for Ramsey/Nutter to do all they possibly can to make legal ownership as onerous as possible within the parameters of PA law.
I am so confident in this prediction that I will place bets of $100.00 each (and place bet money in a Phila. bank for escrow) that the Nutter administration will introduce measures to curb legal ownership rights in Phila. within his first year in office. Any takers?
nom_deplume@justice.com
Posted by Nom Deplume | November 15, 2007 1:43 PM
Excellent choice!
It's time for a top to bottom restructuring of the PPD.
Posted by Anonymous | November 15, 2007 2:01 PM
Actually, I was in DC then, and thought he handled the World Bank protests well (though he was showboating quite a bit).
I don't think his style would work as well here as it did in DC. He alienated a lot of cops there, and I think he would alienate even more here. Philly needs a Timoney type, not another Bratton/Ramsey/Celeste type.
Posted by Anonymous | November 15, 2007 2:11 PM
I worked for Chief Ramsey as an Active officer and a Retired officer. I was with him when he arrived in Wash DC. He is a good Chief and he was not a showboater as some would slander him to be. I drove the man and we went to damn near every community meeting there was even when other city government agency heads should have been in attendance and were not. We stayed from the beginning to the end and several minutes after. He's concerned and will work it to the best of his ability which is high. He has high federal support. There are always critics - most who are not honest or fair in their assessment of Chief Ramsey. As a officer, if I knew better than him on how to fight crime then I should taken the test to a ranking-policy officer. I did'nt. Your mayor made a good choice. You've got one of the best. I'm not going to say Good Luck Chief, rather "God Bless." Luck ain't got nothing to do with it. Jack (MPDC)
Posted by Retired Cop | November 15, 2007 2:33 PM
I'm too disappointed that Timoney hasn't been persuaded (or even asked) to come back to Philadelphia that I find it hard to rejoice in Ramsey's appointment. But he deserves an opportunity to prove himself.
Posted by Christine | November 15, 2007 2:55 PM
To nom_deplume I would suggest that the issue of "legal ownership" is not clear and the Supreme Court is probably going to have an opportunity to hear a case on that very issue, as a result of a DC law. With any luck they will find that the 2d Amendment only applies to a "well regulated militia" and not to everyone who wants a gun.
Posted by gsf | November 15, 2007 2:59 PM
I think that Ramsey is going to need more resources then what Commissioner Johnson was given, I dont htink the department of police can fix the crime problems by themselves, the city needs federal help.
Posted by jmiranda | November 15, 2007 3:35 PM
The real problem is the do nothing FOP.
Posted by Anonymous | November 15, 2007 3:58 PM
Mr. Nutter is a very good choice for Mayor, however he has sent the morale of the Philadelphia Police Department to a low that will take a long time to forget. At a When Ramsey arrived in D.C. from Chicago in 1998, he reminded the rank and file police officers how deficient they were, in his eyes. He brought in a coterie of executives from Chicago, paid them well, and gave them nice offices. His message to local cops was they didn’t measure up. Below is from an article from another paper in regards to a former post of Mr. Ramsey.
"Granted, Ramsey had plenty of ammo to judge the cops harshly. Upon his arrival, the Washington Post published a series portraying D.C. police as trigger happy, unrestrained and undisciplined.
But rather than wading in and reforming the department himself, Ramsey invited in the feds. He asked the Justice Department to investigate his cops. It was the first time in this country’s history that a local police chief actually asked the feds to take over management of his department. In 2001 Ramsey signed an agreement that gave federal bureaucrats control over many aspects of policing, including the hiring of a law firm to monitor the cops.
The D.C. police were in need of reform, but some changes were in place even before Ramsey called in the feds. Seven years later, the Metropolitan Police Department runs better. No question.
But Ramsey’s style depleted morale among street cops. He instilled a punitive form of management. He and his top managers ruled by fear. Hundreds of good cops left. In his last year, 30 were leaving the MPD every month; many of the rest policed from their cars.
True, some crime rates dropped, especially homicides. But dig into the demographics and Dixon will find that crime migrated out of the city, which made Ramsey look good.
Ramsey’s crime stats looked funny to cops and residents. When they said the streets were more dangerous, Ramsey hauled out his stats showing reductions. But cops told me Ramsey and his leadership encouraging commanders to reclassify crimes to lesser offenses. And after he left office, police “revised” crime stats.
For example, rather than dropping in 2006, aggravated assaults were level and robberies had gone up. The truth shocked Ramsey’s political supporters; the real numbers confirmed the sense among residents and cops that the books were cooked.
So hire Chuck Ramsey, but understand what you are getting. He might look good before the cameras, but your front line cops might suffer, and the streets of Baltimore might become even more perilous
time when our Officers are under fire Mr. Nutter brings in an outsider when there are Great candidates from inside the ranks of the Philadelphia Police Department. Mr. Nutter has really given the Philadelphia Police Rank and File a great Christmas present."
Posted by DVPASC | November 15, 2007 4:29 PM
We are getting a long overdue change and restructuring of the ineffective and mismanaged Philadelphia Police Department.
The department needs outsiders and fresh ideas because what they are current doing clearly isn't working.
It's time that the lazy FOP stopped protesting and start producing results. Stop making excuses and standing in the way of progress.
Posted by Anonymous | November 15, 2007 5:38 PM
Wendy, would you care to elaborate on when you wrote
"But Ramsey has been known to throw down a crime emergency, the latest in July 2006 after a wave of shootings that was, frankly, far less serious than the one Philly has lived in for two years." Even with a 40% reduction in homicides during Ramsey's tenure, D.C STILL has more gun violence then Philadelphia. If its been a 2 year crime emergency here than what on earth has it been in the district?
Posted by Patricio | November 15, 2007 6:20 PM
Well, I just spoke to a rather well-connected friend that lives in D.C. She claims Ramsey was great at rounding up innocent people during the big WTO protests, including nurses at a convention, a grandfather and his 5 year old granddaughter, which got the city sued for millions after they were detained for 12 hours on a Metro bus.
Overall, police under his leadership were "very arrogant and corrupt."
Posted by PhillyTechGuy25 | November 15, 2007 6:22 PM
Regarding gsf's comments, it's important to remember that the PA state constitution's text regarding the right to keep and bear arms doesn't contain a militia clause. As we all remember from high school, the US constitution provides the minimum protections to which citzens are entitled, and any state may offer greater protections if it so chooses. Therefore, PA could have a much different view on the private ownership of firearms than DC.
Posted by Interested Observer | November 15, 2007 6:43 PM
I thought it was going to be David Auspitz. Isn;t he the Top Cop and Dictator at the ZBA?
Posted by Underpaid L & I Employee | November 15, 2007 7:14 PM
Patricio, that was probably an overly flip comment. I was reacting to a Post editorial that said Ramsey's last crime emergency followed "14 people killed within the first 11 days of July," 2006. In Philly, 16 people were murdered in the first 11 days of July 2006.
But that's a silly distinction. In 2006, Philly's murder rate and the district's were very similar. The FBI says the District's murder rate was 29 per 100,000 inhabitants while Philly's was 27.8 per 100,000 inhabitants.
And measuring murder is measuring only one kind of crime. Fact is, both cities are dealing with too many guns and too many murders.
Posted by Wendy | November 15, 2007 10:30 PM
FOP = Keystone Kops.
Change is good, and this new commissioner is a breath of fresh air for a department that is basically clueless and inept in fighting crime.
If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.
Posted by Anonymous | November 15, 2007 10:41 PM
Philadelphia is very fortunate to get Ramsey. As a native life-long resident of D.C. and one who has worked in criminal justice for 29 years in the DC area, I can tell you that Ramsey is the best chief DC ever had. He is street saavy, smart, and is a true leader. He has backbone and guts and does the right thing. He does not bow to political pressure and is not easily manipulated. He restored pride and dignity to the police department in D. C. and he upgraded equipment, brought in the latest technology, and restored morale in a department that had sunk low in those arenas. Philadelphia's gain is the D.C. Metro region's tremendous loss.
Posted by Karen | November 16, 2007 12:42 PM
Those who dog Chuck Ramsey haven't got a clue. Show me a police union that has any good to say about their Chief... it doesn't happen. Show me a big city police dept where the officers have good morale. Cops are the biggest cry babies out there. It's all about them. Here's three common things you'll hear from any officer when you ask "how are things going?"
1. The Chief is an a__hole
2. Morale has never been worse, and
3. Everything is all f___ed up.
Get off of Chief Ramsey. If you can spend nine years in DC as Chief and come out in one piece, you're doing something right. Ramsey's got my vote! Go Chuck...
Posted by Anonymous | November 16, 2007 10:23 PM
Amen to the above comment; cops are wonderful as individuals, but get them together in a union and watch the bitch-fest begin. It's a good sign that the FOP isn't crazy about the new chief...it means that he's going to be in charge of the Department, not them...that's a good thing.
Posted by PDB | November 17, 2007 9:12 AM
I Think thus Auspitz schmoo would have been a goof choice.
Posted by Anonymous | November 17, 2007 4:24 PM
gsf proves my point. There is a segment of the populace that believes that no citizen should own a firearm. They are entitled to that view (bought with the blood of those who did, I might add). And he/she is right that the Supremes may decide this issue (or not, they have an annoying habit of not being activist enough, depending on who you talk to). All because of what I believe is poor drafting in the Second Amendment.
That said, gsf is one who would support Nutter's Mugger, CarJacker and Home Invader Workplace Safety Act by insuring that law abiding citizens don't have access to guns. And since he/she has lots of fellow travellers in Phila., I expect such legislation. And my suggestion is that citizens who want the right better exercise it now before it is taken away. If more do, it is less likely that your right will be taken away.
BTW, New Jersey and DC have some of the toughest gun laws in the US, with DC having a virtual ban on ownership. And we all know how safe those places are. Further, these jurisdictions, and others, bar any "militia" except an unarmed militia organized by the state. Any other lawyers spot the issues here?
The consequence of any success by gsf and his cohorts would be increased crime, "white flight" and Phila becomes the next Detroit. Me, I am hoping only that Nutter at least announces a strong econ. package so I can sell my place to an unsuspecting liberal and get out of New Detroit.
gsf, you interested in a nice rowhome in a decent neighborhood?
Posted by Nom_deplume | November 19, 2007 1:41 PM
After 14 people this year were killed by the police department I was more than happy when four of their own was shot and one of them killed in the line of duty. This is one of the reason why i hate police officers because they treat people with know respect but expect you to give them all the respect in the world. This police chief will fail like Nutter will fail to stop what's going on in this city.
Posted by just monty | November 20, 2007 12:38 PM
the city is full of rage!!
you can take away all of the bad boys' toys
and they will continue to hurt each other
because they hurt inside.
survival never a sure thing.
take the rage out of the child and
you will take the rage out of Philadelphia
It's a long term solution that is sure to be a success!!
require parenting licenses of birth parents
only those qualified leave the hospital with the precious child
eliminate time time period where "the damage is done". Between birth and when child services is called in.
immediately place babies in homes with educated parents emotionally and financially prepared to deal with the tremendous responsibility of raising a child
two less on welfare
birth parents (and those applying for legal guardianship)must be drug free, crime free -
no violence or abuse charges.
birth parents can update online files which will be available to birth children at 18
the spca would not even let a 15 year girl or boy old adopt a puppy clearly because of the responsiblity, commitment and knowledge required to do the job well.
newborns needs and rights must superceed
those of adolescent parents.
unless mothers under 18
1.can prove through dna who the father is
and list name on the birth certificate
2. show prenatal care was provided
3. has two qualified adults over 21 prepared to sign for legal guardianship and will assume financial responsibilty until the birth mother turns 18
(this applies to birth father as well who must apply for license separately form mother.) fathers should be held more accountable legally and financially for their children
(and this is just for starters i.e., diploma, address not in high crime hot spot and people in home not connected to drugs or violence)
the infant should immediatley and permanenantly be placed in qualified homes with qualified adult parents.
stop writing checks and offering services that enable children raising children. the outcome has proven poor.
a huge percent of adults involved in homicide
come from fractured family structures in poverty and drug settings. typically men, but as seen in philly high schools last week, violence among women is on the rise. they are full of violence and anger. Guns or no guns the rage inside them will manifest in violence.
give a newborn the best possible love filled home where he will be safe from the start
and
yes!!! in 15-20 years (when the avg lost child enters their crime prime)the crime rate in philadelphia will go down
and the city will become more managable
when the these young adults have been raised in non-violent drug-free homes have respect, love and security.
take back philadelphia -
one child and one family at a time
maybe those who grew up here would even
like to go back to visit sometime.
visit now? no thanks!
Ram this Nut up Philly's butt!
Ramsey and Nutter can do it!
If they don't like it, they are free to go!
Posted by lou | January 25, 2008 1:30 PM
Should have done your homework!!!!!! To the rank and file...you're about to get the ride of your life. Chuck has not only eroded the moral and effeciency of the M.P.D.C he squandered millions in "crime emergencies"...and, failed disicplinary policies which cost the city well over $50 million and counting. Please do your own research, check out the articles in the Washington Post & Washington Examiner listing details on how he ordered crime stat's doctored.
Finally the M.O.A. with the D.O.J, Chuck was the first Chief in the history of the U.S. to invite the D.O.J. in to monitor police operations. The D.O.J. has been trying for years to take over your department...well they will now!
We would have sent you all of this information if we would have know that he was looking to work for you. We were sucessful in getting him dropped as a canidate for "top cop" in Baltimore.
Good luck and remember " You can't trust Chuck"
s
s
Posted by D.C. 1 | January 28, 2008 1:34 PM
I would like to know why the Philadelphia Police Department is not looking into wrong-doing by the corrupt Philadelphia School District.
It is pretty well-established that corrupt principals in the school district retaliate against honest teachers who report violence in their schools.
This district is run by corrupt and dishonest administrators.
- Down in the Basement
Posted by Down in the Basement | July 9, 2008 1:04 AM
HEY I WANTED TO TALK TO RASMEY, IAM A SOUTHWEST RESIDENT AND WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 12 DISTRICT, I WANTED KNOW SINCE IT SO BAD, AND YALL HIRING MORE POLICE, THE 12ST IS SO BIG, WHILE YALL MAKE ANOTHER DISTRICT IN THE 12ST, AT LEAST BY THE AIRPORT AT LEAST.
Posted by jason stump | September 30, 2008 8:04 PM
HEY I WANTED TO TALK TO RASMEY, IAM A SOUTHWEST RESIDENT AND WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 12 DISTRICT, I WANTED KNOW SINCE IT SO BAD, AND YALL HIRING MORE POLICE, THE 12ST IS SO BIG, WHILE YALL MAKE ANOTHER DISTRICT IN THE 12ST, AT LEAST BY THE AIRPORT AT LEAST.
Posted by jason stump | September 30, 2008 8:05 PM
This man was savagely beaten by police officers on 6/5/09
He was running home trying to escape the rain with food in his hand trying not to get wet, when a police officer approached him. The officer struck him numerous times across his face breaking his teeth and fracturing his jaw. Please see attach photos. His name is Rodney Denny and his contact number is 215-226-4388/ 215-500-2696 . He's filing a law suit against the officers and he's going to contact internal affairs.
Posted by Rodney Denny | June 8, 2009 11:56 PM
Charles H. Ramsey was on National Tv 11/10/2009, how can you as a light colored individual make the statements you made about the execution of John Muhammad. How can you dare live with your self knowing that this man had a mental problem, and you stated he might be mental,but fifty-five minutes ago he got a therapy session. This tell me you have a mental problem and you are a white individual in a black body, when you know how the white person has done the black person for years and years. How can you treat your own people with disrespect,( I know you are a uncle tom that is how you have move through the system the way you have), but can believe one of these God given days you will meet your master(GOD)and you will have to give inaccount for those words that you made last night. I look at you as another Michael Steele, hurt your own people (black), just because you are light complexed that do not give you the right to be ignorant(I am light complexed also). I could not sleep last night knowing that we still have individuals like you. As far as those other white individuals that I saw on TV last night at the prison setting they will have to give inaccouont of their action. You know I am a black 72 yr. old black woman who work everyday to help people wheather they are black or other, that have a behavior problem or mentally ill and I love them, trying to help them focuse on a better life. I could go all day talking about how ignorant you are, but the more I think about you I get sick to my stomach. How can anyone want you to be a MAYOR of any place. Take control of your mouth. It was always told to me by my grandmother that if you give some black individual they will turn again their own and put on a white face. Whites have done so much to the black population that when the day for re-pay, I can see some asking for help from the gates of hell.
Posted by marge andrews | November 11, 2009 11:58 AM