Philadelphia Municipal Court Resumes Evictions with Enhanced Safety Measures
After temporarily suspending evictions in July due to multiple shooting incidents involving tenants, Philadelphia Municipal Court has announced the resumption of eviction proceedings. The court has implemented enhanced safety measures and training for landlord tenant officers to ensure a more secure and de-escalated process.
Following the disturbing incidents earlier this year, where tenants were shot during eviction procedures, the court took the necessary steps to prevent such occurrences in the future. In March, a woman was tragically shot in the head by a plainclothes landlord tenant officer, and in July, another woman suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. These incidents prompted the court to reassess the eviction process and make the essential changes.
To improve the safety and security of all parties involved, evictions will now be conducted by teams of two officers who have undergone Pennsylvania Constable training. This training includes comprehensive instruction on the appropriate use of force and de-escalation tactics. By conducting evictions in teams, the hope is to minimize the risk of conflict and ensure a more peaceful resolution during these challenging situations.
In addition to the enhanced training, there are other notable changes to the eviction process. One such change is the requirement for tenants to submit an affidavit and address issues in a reasonable manner before a lockout is scheduled. This will facilitate better communication and potential resolutions before the eviction reaches its final stage. Furthermore, the court will now share eviction dates and times with tenants and action groups upon request and include them on the court docket, providing transparency and an opportunity for tenants to prepare accordingly.
It is important to note that the Landlord and Tenant Office (LTO), responsible for these eviction proceedings, is funded by service fees from landlords rather than taxpayer money. In order to cover the cost of additional staff, training, and insurance, the fees charged to landlords will increase from $145 to $350. This increase aims to ensure proper support and resources for an improved and safer eviction process.
However, not all parties are satisfied with these changes. Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Jamie Gauthier have called for more oversight throughout the eviction process and advocate for meaningful reforms that promote accountability. They express concern over the decision to only provide lockout dates and times upon request, as surprise lockouts can escalate conflicts and put lives at risk, particularly for elderly tenants and those with disabilities or complex medical needs.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia already has an eviction diversion program in place, which aims to find alternative solutions for tenants facing eviction. This program aims to address the root causes of eviction, such as financial difficulties or disputes, in order to prevent the displacement of vulnerable individuals and families.
As Philadelphia Municipal Court resumes evictions, the implementation of enhanced safety measures and training for landlord tenant officers is a step towards a safer and more transparent process. The aim is to ensure that eviction proceedings are carried out with the utmost consideration for the well-being of all parties involved. While further reforms and oversight are being called for, the court’s efforts to address concerns and improve the process are a positive development.
