Op-Ed Response from Sheriff Rochelle Bilal
March 11, 2025
Philadelphia Deserves Truth, Not Misinformation About the Sheriff’s Office
The recent Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board’s critique of my leadership as Sheriff of Philadelphia is not only misinformed but reflects a biased narrative that disregards the facts, misrepresents my responsibilities, and continues a pattern of sensationalized attacks against me.
The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office does not have jurisdiction over probation or parole operations.
Based on an expired Memorandum of Understanding between that department and Jewel William’s administration, we assisted their office. As a courtesy and at my discretion, I continued this service under my administration. To abandon a responsibility, you must first have it. FJD, Court Administrative Officer Richard McSorley, and Chief Probation Officer Jeannette Palmer-Briscoe knew I was moving the Warrant Unit as those discussions have been ongoing.
The implication in your article that we neglected our duties is fundamentally flawed primarily because we do not oversee probation and parole. The article implies that in-person drug screenings have been suspended because of the unit’s move; however, McSorley states:
“We are not aware of any statement from any court official or probation officer informing the court that a drug screening cannot occur. The judges and court [were] informed drug screening would resume as normal beginning on March 10, 2025. The only comment made by FJD is the announcement by AJ Anders to the APPD/Pretrial Chiefs … we agree that the statements below by Mr. Bender are factually incorrect. The relocation of the Warrant Unit from 714 to Family Court was not in response to any incident in the FJD of which we are aware. We continue to see improvements and cooperation to provide increased security [for] our courtrooms.”
Suggesting that impeaching the Sheriff or dismantling the Office is not based on public interest but rather political maneuvering. Let’s not forget that calls to abolish this Office are not new.
The real question is why the Inquirer continues to advocate for this while ignoring the progress being made under my leadership.
Regurgitating false, exaggerated, and unfounded claims from past articles will not help you gain momentum to abolish the Office. We have addressed and debunked these claims on our website, phillysheriff.com. My administration has worked to restore public trust, improve security measures, and ensure fiscal responsibility. Attempts to characterize my leadership as anything other than focused, strategic, and committed to public service are politically motivated.
Philadelphians deserve facts—not editorialized attacks and selective outrage. My office remains committed to protecting the courts, securing public spaces, upholding the law, and operating transparently.
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Editorial Board would better serve its readers by engaging in accurate reporting rather than amplifying a false narrative that disregards the realities of this office.
Sheriff Rochelle Bilal
Sheriff, City of Philadelphia
Related:
The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office launches podcast, ‘The Sheriff’s Perspective’ to Speak Directly to Philadelphians
Sheriff’s Perspective ~ Sept 21st
Sheriff’s Perspective ~ April 20th, Recorded Show
The Sheriff’s Perspective
Sheriff’s Perspective ~ June 15th
Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office Regarding the Landlord and Tenant Office No Longer Serving Evictions
