~ Cindy Bass, Deputy Majority Whip Philadelphia City Council ~ March 23rd, 2023 ~
Honoring Sheriff Rochelle Bilal for being a pillar of the community, and for her exemplary work throughout the City of Philadelphia, and outstanding leadership during Women’s History month.
Sheriff Bilal was born and raised in North Philadelphia, and was one of seven siblings. She is a loving parent and has a strong passion for the City of Philadelphia and the community.
During her 27 years of service in Philadelphia Police Department Sheriff fulfilled many significant roles. She served on units that focused on sex crimes and drug trafficking, including work in HIDTA (high intense drug traffic area), a joint task force with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sheriff Bilal also taught the new recruits at the Philadelphia Police Training Center where she developed a program called the “Steer Straight Initiative” which helps police recruits identify and avoid situations that pose potential risks to their careers in law enforcement. In 2013 she retired from the Philadelphia Police Department after a stellar career.
For over a decade, Sheriff Bilal has served as the Secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Philadelphia branch #2346B, and is the former President of the Guardian Civic League – a law enforcement community oversight organization comprising of active and retired Philadelphia police officers.
Sheriff Bilal was the first female hired to serve as the Director of Public Safety where she managed the police department and the volunteer fire department. She also developed the community outreach program for the Colwyn Police department.
On January 6, 2020 Sheriff Rochelle Bilal was sworn in to lead the Office of the Sheriff for the City and County of Philadelphia. She has the distinction to be the first elected African American woman Sheriff in the 181-year history of the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Bilal is an advocate of criminal justice reform and encourages community engagement and outreach. As sheriff, she has implemented policies and procedures to improve the efficiency and engagement of the more than 458 employees of the department. The sheriff administers a $30 million budget and oversees court security, prisoner transportation to and from court, as well as manages sheriff’s sales, court-ordered sales of foreclosed and tax-delinquent properties; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA That we recognize and honor Sheriff Rochelle Bilal for Women’s History Month.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to Sheriff Rochelle Bilal as evidence of the gratitude of this legislative body.
