Pedro Rosario has been named the Philadelphia Police Department’s new Deputy Police Commissioner in a history-making move, writes Hayden Mitman and David Chang for NBC 10 Philadelphia.

Rosario makes history as the first Latino to ever fill the role, which will see him be tasked with leading the city’s public safety plan for Kensington. 

“For me, it eliminates barriers,” Rosario said. “Now I have direct access to resources that normally had to cut through a lot of bureaucracy. So that’s the importance of this position.”

Throughout her campaign and during her inauguration speech, Mayor Cherelle Parker put a major focus on improving Kensington. 

Specifically, Parker hopes to permanently shut down open-air drug markets in the city, which is prevalent in Kensington.

Rosario will be working with the Mayor, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, and community leaders to help get Kensington heading in a more positive direction. 

“I am deeply committed to fostering a culture of collaboration where every member of our community will be heard, will be valued and will be empowered,” said Rosario. “Together we can achieve remarkable things.”

Read more about Pedro Rosario and the work being done in Kensington to improve its safety in NBC 10 Philadelphia.

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