Southwest Philadelphia: The Great Divide

When you think of a police “ride-alone” you automatically think of the show “Cops” where a cameraman follows a police officer during a long and violent day at work. However, the ride along that we experienced was far from the everyday “Cops” episode.

Riding alone with Officer Richard “Butch” Riddick and Mark Moore from the 12th District out of Southwest Philadelphia gave us a better understanding of why Officer Riddick was awarded the 25th Annual Fencl Award.

Although many residents embraced both officers with hugs and kisses, it’s evident that the community of Southwest Philadelphia is divided. Some of the residents appreciate and respect the police while others don’t acknowledge their presence.

Once our ride-along was over, we decided to stop in Golden Cuts Barber Shop located at 6430 Woodland Ave. just two stores away from the 12th District. After a few looks and constant questions if we were “with the cops,” the local barbers and clients gave us a different look at how they feel about the police force in Southwest Philadelphia.

Their reluctance was obvious when they would not let us take pictures of them or give us their real names.

The police in the area serve us rather than protect, one man said while pounding his fist.

Upon further questioning another man pointed out his black eye.

“[The police] did this to me for no reason,” he said. “All I was doing was trying to help my friend that was getting beat up by them.”

Most of the men in the barbershop expressed their concern for the cops “excessive force” on young African American males of the area.

If an African American man is driving a nice car, he’s sure to get stopped, said another man.

Whether the police officers from the 12th District are being praised or ignored, their actions are always being watched and followed by the residents of Southwest Philadelphia.

By Daly Gonzalez
Amanda Fries
Team# 5: Southwest Philadelphia