Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/189636
Located in West Philadelphia's Powelton Village neighborhood, Drexel Park boasts arguably the best skyline view of Center City Philadelphia. Photo by J. Fusco for GPTMC range of important issues, new tactics, and up-and-coming technology. There will be more than 200 program sessions presented by law enforcement experts and leading police executives, all designed to increase your job performance and your agency's effectiveness. The exhibit hall will offer live demonstrations of the latest technology and test the newest products available at the largest exposition ever for law enforcement. More than 750 companies will showcase products and services across six categoryspecifc pavilions including communication/IT, vehicle accessories, weapons and tactical/protective equipment, administration and training, forensic/investigation, and personal equipment that could signifcantly impact the industry and allow your agency to operate more effciently and effectively for years to come. The Philadelphia Police Department The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is the nation's fourth largest police department, with more than 6,600 sworn members and 800 civilian personnel. The PPD is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for serving Philadelphia County, extending over 140 square miles with approximately 1.5 million residents. Geographically, the department is divided into 22 police districts each headed by a captain, which comprise six police divisions each headed by a Divisional Inspector. The police districts are divided into two major sections of the city, Regional Operations Command North (ROC North) and Regional Operations Command South (ROC South), each headed by one Chief Inspector under Patrol Operations. Personnel are assigned to work in 55 different locations throughout Philadelphia, with police headquarters located in the 6th Police District, in Center City, at 750 Race Street. One of the main topics that should be covered at the 2013 IACP conference is the future of policing, according to Lt. John Stanford, commanding offcer, public affairs. "Looking at the challenges faced in the past, current challenges and future challenges is key to determining how the world of law enforcement and policing should proceed in the future," he said. "Technology, diversity in the workplace, terrorism, cyber crime, drones, analytics, regionalization of police forces, are all areas that should be in minds of all chiefs across this county. These are all topics that current and future Police Chiefs will face and we must be ready to make the transitions when necessary to keep our departments at the forefront of fghting crime in an effective and successful manner," said Lt. Stanford. "We are honored to Host the 2013 International Association of Chiefs of Police here in the city of Philadelphia. Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey is an executive member of this great organization and is honored to The 437-foot Cira Centre sits just west of downtown Philly, across the Schuylkill River. Photo by J. Fusco for GPTMC have this opportunity to welcome his fellow chiefs to the birthplace of America for this conference," Lt. Stanford said. Philly's Sights & Sounds Big cities typically come with big buildings, and Philly doesn't disappoint. While most of Philadelphia's high-rise buildings are in Center City, the 437-foot Cira Centre sits just west of downtown, across the Schuylkill River. A great place to view the skyline is Philly's South Street Bridge. Built in 1876, it stretches over the Schuylkill River and connects West Philadelphia to Center City. In 2010, a new bridge opened with wide pedestrian sidewalks, bike lanes, and an impressive lighting scheme that appropriately complements the Philadelphia skyline. Located in West Philadelphia's Powelton Village neighborhood, Drexel Park boasts arguably the best skyline view of Center City Philadelphia. Residents and students fock to the 2.5-acre oasis for its walking paths, benches and open green space, where picnics, Frisbee games, reading and sunbathing are the main activities. Penn Park, which sits along the banks of the Schuylkill River, provides felds and tracks for sporting enthusiasts. On hot summer days, Philadelphia's Swann Memorial Fountain, also known as "The Fountain of Three Rivers," serves as a favorite oasis for city residents and visitors www.lawandordermag.com 29