Commissioner
Philadelphia (PA) Police Department
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel is a distinguished law enforcement professional with an impressive 38-year career, the majority of which was dedicated to service with the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD). Commissioner Bethel joined the PPD in 1986 and quickly established himself as a leader. He has served in various roles including; Special Investigations, the Narcotics Strike Force, Field Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Internal Affairs. In 2009, he was appointed to Deputy Commissioner of Patrol Operations by former PPD Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey. Commissioner Bethel implemented a data-driven approach to policing, playing a key role in developing and executing successful crime-fighting strategies that significantly reduced violent crime and led to record-low homicide rates in Philadelphia before his retirement in 2016. From 2019 to 2023, Commissioner Bethel served as the Chief of Public Safety for the School District of Philadelphia, overseeing 300 safety officers. He holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Chestnut Hill College and a Master of Science in Public Safety Management from St. Joseph's University.
Surfing a Hurricane: Leading Change Through Turbulent Times
Saturday, October 19, 2024
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET