Recognizing and Honoring Kevin J. Bethel, the Deputy Police Commissioner in the Philadelphia Police Department, for his commitment and dedication to Serving the City of Philadelphia and its Citizens and congratulate him on being named a Diana A. Millner Youth Justice Fellow by the Stoneleigh Foundation, a post that will require him to spend the next three years addressing Philadelphia's School to Prison Pipeline.

WHEREAS,

Deputy Police Commissioner Bethel

holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Chestnut Hill College, and a Master’s Degree in Public Safety from St. Joseph’s University; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the numerous honors, accolades and awards,

Deputy Police Commissioner Bethel

was the recipient of the 2008 Philadelphia Daily News Fencl Award. The Fencl Award is bestowed upon a police officer that brings a unique blend of courage, integrity and determination to the job; and

WHEREAS, Among his many responsibilities,

Deputy Police Commissioner Bethel

has most recently taken a leadership role in the Juvenile Justice Field. This includes: serving on the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Law and Justice, regularly lecturing on school diversion and racial and ethnic disparities at the Center for Juvenile Reform at Georgetown University, participating as a faculty member for the International Association of Chiefs of Police Juvenile Justice Leadership Institute, serving on the Advisory Board to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and serving as a member of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Youth Violence Collaborative and Youth Engagement for the National League of Cities Collaboration and the Philadelphia Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Commissioner Bethel’s commitment and passion for reforming the Juvenile Justice System remains evident in his encompassing career; and

WHEREAS, On February 13th , 2015, Deputy Commissioner Bethel testified for the President’s 21st Century Task Force on the need for the concerted effort by law enforcement leaders to address the school-to-prison pipeline across the nation, to ensure a bright, more hopeful future for the young people across this country; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council hereby Recognizes Kevin J. Bethel for his commitment and dedication to Serving the City of Philadelphia and its citizens and congratulate him on being

named a Diana A. Millner Youth Justice Fellow by the Stoneleigh Foundation, a post that will require him to spend the next three years addressing Philadelphia’s School to Prison Pipeline.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Deputy Police Commissioner Bethel as a sincere expression of the Philadelphia City Council’s gratitude and recognition.

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