The appointment of former Metropolitan Police Chief, Charles H. Ramsey, as the new police commissioner of Philadelphia is Philly’s gain and the Washington, D. C. metro region’s major loss.  Ramsey, a highly seasoned, experienced, and astute law enforcement official has been in the business for 40 years, and he knows what to do and how to do it.  During his tenure in D. C., he was the best chief the city ever had.  He restored pride and integrity in D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department.  Not only did he institute and upgrade technology, but he obtained proper and functioning equipment that was vitally needed for his officers to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.

Ramsey demonstrated he was a solid leader in all respects.  He proved he was a take charge type of chief, and he was not afraid to speak out and stand up for what was right.  He did not crumble under political pressure nor did he allow others to bully him into making unsound decisions or commit to improper actions.  Ramsey knew he was not in a popularity contest as the chief of police but was cognizant of the fact that his job was to secure the safety and security of those in the nation’s capitol city, and he did that in the most professional and productive way possible.

The challenges he confronted and the problems he solved in D. C. were a direct result of his proactive stance that included the implementation of various community policing strategies, specialized units, and even the advent of a horse-mounted patrol division.  By the time of his departure, the homicide rate in the city had been significantly reduced and cut almost in half.

Philadelphia’s Mayor-Elect, Michael Nutter is obviously a wise and practical politician.  His choice of Ramsey is likely one of the best decisions he will make as he moves into his new position.  Philadelphia’s police force is substantially larger than D. C.’s, but Ramsey possesses the necessary skills and expertise to handle a larger agency.  The problems associated with significant crime levels, criminal victimization, and the shooting of the agency’s own cops will be ones that Ramsey will tackle with fervor and determination.

At 57-years-old and delighted to be returning to his role as a city’s top cop, he admits he feels like a kid again and rightfully so.  He readily acknowledges that he “loves” policing so why should he not continue doing what he loves and doing what he does best?  The city of Philadelphia should embrace him with a very warm welcome and be grateful that they are getting the cream of the crop.