Kevin Bethel sworn in as Philly's new police commissioner

In taking the oath of office on Tuesday, Philadelphia's newest police commissioner Kevin Bethel couldn't have selected a more appropriate venue.

Bethel, who was formerly head of safety for the Philadelphia School District, was sworn-in Tuesday afternoon at a Philadelphia public school -- specifically Russell Conwell Middle School on the 1800 block of E. Clearfield Street in Kensington.

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Bethel chose to be sworn-in at the middle school, officials said in a statement, as a way of "underscoring his strong commitment as Police Commissioner to the Kensington community and its thousands of students who face unimaginable circumstances going to and from school."

Mayor Cherelle Parker -- who took the oath of office on Tuesday as well -- named Bethel as Philadelphia's new police commissioner back in November, not long after outgoing commissioner Danielle Outlaw resigned.

"This commissioner, Kevin Bethel, has the support of his mayor 1,000 percent," Parker said during Tuesday's ceremony. "I know he is going to do what is right to make the public health and safety of our city his number one priority."

While Commissioner Bethel worked at the school district from 2019 through 2023, officials noted in a statement that he is "a familiar face" to the police department.

Bethel, 60, served in the Philadelphia Police Department from 1986 until 2015 and had multiple roles, including captain of the 17th District and later on, the Deputy Police Commissioner.

"And so each of you, the 1.6 million citizens across the city, who are the heart and soul of our city, I vow to listen, to understand and to act," Commissioner Bethel said during Tuesday's ceremony.

Bethel also holds a Bachelors of Science in criminal justice from Chestnut Hill College and a Masters of Science degree in public safety management from St. Joseph’s University.

Parker, who in one of her first acts as mayor declared a public safety emergency to get more resources to deal with gun violence, charged Bethel with developing a strategy to permanently shut down open air drug markets, including Kensington.

Bethel said his strategy will include prevention, intervention and enforcement.

"Here in Kensington, the reality is stark and painful," Bethel said. "Needles litter our paths. Drug users are impaired. Our youth are often diverted from their potential and the community spirit is under siege and stressed. But let it be clear, this ends today."