Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Chester on Sept. 18 to highlight the success of the city’s police department and community programs in reducing gun related violence. Joined by District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Chester Mayor Stefan Roots, Chester Acting Police Commissioner Katrina Blackwell, State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Parris, Boys and Girls Club of Chester CEO Derrick Billups, Sr. and Chester Sgt. Kyle Battineri, Shapiro said he has learned much from Chester’s success.
“The city that nearly led the nation in percapita homicide rate is now a model for other cities and other communities across Pennsylvania on how we can work together to reduce crime,” Shapiro said. “We have made tremendous progress here and we are going to continue doing so. I am going to invest in law enforcement here in the city of Chester. I want you to know that my administration will invest in economic growth and development.”
In 2020, a program was instituted called Chester Partnership for Safe Communities. Since then the city has experienced a 74 percent decrease in gun homicides. In addition, gun related violence has decreased by 65 percent. According to police statistics, the summer of 2025 and the creation of Operation Safe Summer, resulted in zero-gun homicides.
Shapiro said he has been working closely with Roots and others on a plan to make sure anti-violence funds will flow into the city…