patrick.net

“Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw has instructed the department to immediately halt arrests for a slew of low-level criminal offenses..."

“An internal memo obtained by Billy Penn and WHYY states that crimes including theft, burglary, prostitution, stolen automobiles, vandalism, and certain economic crimes will no longer automatically result in detention. Police will also temporarily stop enforcing bench warrants to individuals who fail to show up for court.”

According to WHYY, this means local criminals will temporarily granted the capability to commit crime without facing arrest, as the actual arrest will be carried out “at a later date — presumably once the COVID-19 outbreak is under control.”

As it stands, Philadelphia’s crime rate consistently ranks above the national average and has, in fact, climbed even higher ever since District Attorney Larry Krasner, a Democrat, assumed office in early 2018.

Incidentally, Krasner reportedly supports Outlaw’s unprecedented policy move. He released a statement Monday defending the provisions on the basis that those who commit “commit truly serious offenses” still face a “risk” of being arrested and held accountable …

“I want to be clear: People who do violence and commit truly serious offenses risk being charged and held in custody,” he said. “You do not want to be in any jail or prison right now, and I suggest that this warning ought to affect people’s decision-making and behaviors beyond this public health emergency.”

SEE: https://www.bizpacreview.com/2020/03/18/free-for-all-on-drugs-burglary-vandalism-dem-led-philly-halts-arrests-for-crimes-during-virus-crisis-898475?utm_campaign=bizpac&utm_content=Newsletter&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_source=Get+Response&utm_term=EMAIL