"Kevin Bethel: Philadelphia's Reshaping Police Commissioner"
Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker is expected to announce Kevin J. Bethel as the next police commissioner of Philadelphia, according to a source. Bethel, a former deputy commissioner and the current chief of school safety for the School District of Philadelphia, is seen as a top candidate to lead the 5,500-member police force. His appointment comes as the department grapples with a surge in gun violence, low morale, and a shortage of nearly 1,000 officers. Parker campaigned on a promise to hire more police officers and implement tough-on-crime tactics. Bethel's experience in law enforcement and juvenile justice is seen as an asset, but he will face the challenge of addressing public safety concerns and staffing issues in the city.