Vision & Priorities of Danielle Outlaw Police Commissioner Of United States

Vision & Priorities of Danielle Outlaw

During her tenure as Philadelphia's Police Commissioner (2020–2023), Danielle Outlaw outlined a vision rooted in reform, transparency, and community trust. Here are the key elements:

1. Immediate Response to Gun Violence

Within her first weeks, Commissioner Outlaw conveyed a "sense of urgency" in confronting gun violence. She emphasized structured support for victims and launched initiatives such as:

• The Victim Services Unit—to offer consistent and compassionate assistance across districts.

• A Police–Collaborative Research Forum, in partnership with the Department of Justice, to refine homicide investigation protocols and family outreach.
  FOX 29 Philadelphia

2. Community Engagement & Transparency

Outlaw placed community connection at the core of her leadership:

“Sometimes we just gotta drop what we doin’ and have a conversation… if this is one of the best mediums to connect with folks… then let’s get it.”
She ended no-knock warrants, introduced implicit bias training, and hired the first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) chief for the department.
WHYY+1

3. Accountability During Turbulence

Outlaw navigated Philadelphia’s tough times, including COVID-19, George Floyd protests, and department unrest:

• She defended tactical decisions, including tear gas deployment, and pledged full reviews of protest responses.

• Following changing media narratives around a fatal shooting, she insisted on accuracy, stating:
  “I want to acknowledge the hurt … sometimes we take 20 steps forward and it just takes one incident … this is a genuine effort … to share what we know when we have it.”
  Inquirer.com6abc PhiladelphiaWHYYAP News

4. Recruitment & Structural Challenges

Under Outlaw, the PPD faced a staffing crisis—losing officers during COVID and struggling with recruitment. She:

• Advocated lifting residency requirements to widen recruitment.

• Managed the largest departmental budget increase, with significant funds allocated to staffing and overtime.
  Inquirer.com