Richard Ross Excited To Lead Philadelphia Police Department
By Mike Dougherty
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philly's new top cop says he's excited about the opportunity to lead the police department in his hometown.
Philadelphia native Richard Ross was Commissioner Ramsey's main man as deputy commissioner, and Ross says he has plans to expand on some of the programs the two worked on together.
He also hopes to continue the positive strides the department has made in connecting with residents.
"It's not that reform isn't needed, and I think some police officers know that," says Ross, "but I think it's important for the general public not to fall victim to some of this rhetoric that even some superstars are spousing because it's dangerous."
Ross says his promotion isn't just a positive for him but for all officers in the department who have ambition to ascend the ranks.
"It's a great a great opportunity, not only for me, but for the aspiring folks in the department who want to ascend through the ranks. I kind of view it that way. It's not just about me."
He says as Ramsey's right hand man, he was involved in many of the big decisions made.
"We've had some really, really good feedback from the officers in the 22nd district that wore the body camera for the pilot program."
Ross says while he and Ramsey are different people in many ways, they do happen to share the same birthday.