Kevin J. Bethel Bio

Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel is a distinguished law enforcement professional with an impressive 38-year career, the majority of which was dedicated to service with the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD). Born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia, Commissioner Bethel joined the PPD in 1986 and quickly established himself as a leader, excelling in various roles.
 

His dedication propelled him through the ranks, thriving in diverse units including Special Investigations, the Narcotics Strike Force, Field Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Internal Affairs. These roles culminated in his appointment to Deputy Commissioner of Patrol Operations in 2009 by former PPD Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey. In this leadership role, Commissioner Bethel implemented a data-driven approach to policing, playing a key role in developing and executing successful crime-fighting strategies that significantly reduced violent crime and led to record-low homicide rates in Philadelphia before his retirement in 2016.
 

From 2019 to 2023, Commissioner Bethel served as the Chief of Public Safety for the School District of Philadelphia, overseeing 300 safety officers who mentored students and diverted them to social services for minor infractions. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker appointed Commissioner Bethel to lead the Philadelphia Police Department in January 2024. He holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Chestnut Hill College and a Master of Science in Public Safety Management from St. Joseph's University.