The Center City District's community service representatives (CSRs) are a welcoming presence in downtown Philadelphia who serve as eyes and ears for the police.
The Center City District's community service representatives (CSRs) are a welcoming presence in downtown Philadelphia. CSRs patrol on foot seven days a week, wearing distinctive teal uniforms and equipped with two-way radios, first-aid gear, maps and more. They interact with the public to provide information or directions and are equally prepared to administer first aid, request police services or provide outreach to unsheltered individuals.
The CSRs enjoy a unique working relationship with the Philadelphia Police Department. CSRs participate in twice-daily roll call and coordinate their deployment strategies with Philadelphia police officers who patrol on foot and by bicycle downtown and who are deployed from the Center City District Police Substation, located in the CCD's administrative offices.
Using customized handheld computers and a geographic information system (GIS), specially trained CSRs survey every block in the Center City District monthly, recording deficiencies and problems in the public environment.
Their reports of damaged street lights, traffic signs, fire hydrants, clogged sewers, etc., are forwarded promptly to the responsible agency and CCD follows up to ensure prompt attention.
Specially trained CSRs provide daytime outreach services to help move unsheltered individuals from downtown streets and into appropriate facilities with needed services. Learn more.