Philadelphia gun violence: Police on longer shifts this weekend in response to shootings

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia is trying to counter its gun violence epidemic by requiring cops to work longer hours.

From this weekend, the officers will be working longer shifts on patrol.

Police patrols change from 8-hour shifts to 12-hour shifts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The department has been challenged in its efforts to deal with outbreaks of violence over the past few weekends.

The goal is to give more officers the ability to respond to incidents.

In a press conference on gun violence earlier this week, Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said a better solution had to be found.

“As I’ve said time and time again, this is not sustainable in the long term,” Outlaw said.

Now, 72 new Philadelphia police officers and two Tempel police officers are ready to serve their communities.

The action cam was at the graduation ceremony for Class 396 at the North Philadelphia Police Academy on Friday.

Mayor Jim Kenney, Commissioner Outlaw and FOP President John McNesby all commended the graduates for the investment they are making in their future.

Outlaw says this is a difficult time for a Philadelphia police officer and commended each officer for their commitment to justice.