MISSION & HISTORY

The South Street Police Detail and the “Mini-Station” have been servicing our area since 1985. Historically, South Street was always an active corridor with the old housing projects located in Queen Village and Hawthorne which were overcrowded and poorly maintained. The neighborhoods were feeling pressure from the annual Greek Weekend and Mardi Gras events. Additionally, our residential and business communities were dealing with too many broken storefront and car windows, beer bottles, damaged property, graffiti and other quality of life issues. We also had some periods of violent crimes that came in waves.

Because of the importance of the presence of the police, many of these issues have been resolved or at least improved because of a stronger South Street Headhouse District, more robust surrounding community organizations, and support from various departments and agencies from the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of PA.

The City of Philadelphia pays the salaries of the officers assigned to the South Street Police Detail and the cost of their basic official police equipment and supplies. The landlord provides the space free of rent as part of the Whole Foods zoning agreement. The South Street Headhouse District pays the utilities and provides some of the supplies and services.

Everything else, police bicycles, maintenance, and capital improvements, needs to be provided by the community, as we are a sub-unit of the 3rd District and have the privilege of having a “Mini-Station.”

In past years, Bella Vista Town Watch (BVTW, now Bella Vista Neighbors Association, or BVNA) operated out of the “Mini-Station.” With special connections, they obtained donated CAT 5 cable for telecom & data and a business telephone system which the BVTW members installed at no cost. BVTW also obtained a grant to purchase computers some years ago. From time to time, Queen Village, Hawthorne and the South Street Headhouse District were donating police bikes, uniforms, equipment, and supplies.

After years of continuous service, the “Mini-Station” suffered from years of neglect. The station had developed leaks and mold which have since been remediated. The “Mini Station” was in need of major renovations and some of these needs have recently been completed. The Friends also funded a new computer network, purchased police bikes, supported events and provided services.

On another occasion, the officers received sound meters, but were in need of sound meter training, and the Friends provided funding. A website needed to be created to explain and continue our organization and its mission. We recently held a police recognition event to gain more support, and more importantly, thank the officers that serve our communities.

The renovation work, purchases, and services could not have been possible without creating a joint alliance. Before we formed our organizational alliance, we were dealing with individual neighborhood organizations, and trying to determine how they could assist, all while each group was changing officers as their elections took place on an annual basis. It was next to impossible to get everyone on the same page. Bill Josem and Ric Hayman solved this problem by quickly taking action to complete our non-profit corporation, finalize our 501(c)(3) qualifications and receive our sales tax exemption status.

The “Mini-Station” still requires repairs totaling well over $15,000, and we all know how quickly technology is outdated. Heavily traveled offices always need to be repaired and/or renovated. Additionally, the officers are in continuous need of police bike replacements or repairs.

We must continue to support our police and “Mini-Station” just as they will continue to support us for years.

Please take the time to learn more about our organization and support our mission – the Friends of the South Street Police Mini-Station.