As her first official act, Philadelphia’s first woman mayor declares a state of emergency for public safety to combat the rampant crime in Philadelphia and the excessive drug abuse that plagues its neighborhoods.

Frank Rodriguez, an ex-drug dealer in Philadelphia’s Kensington district who is now a heroin addict, told Fox News: “I believe it’s a positive step.” It’s at least a first step. It remains to be seen if it will work, and how effective it will be. We will discover the results, but at least we are doing something.”

Democrat Cherelle Park, 51, was sworn-in as Philadelphia’s 100th Mayor on Tuesday. She signed an executive order declaring a safety emergency, and in her inauguration address, she pledged to focus immediately on curbing crime. She stayed true to her promises made during her campaign to enforce public safety. Her administration announced that it would hire more police officers with a special focus on community policing in order to restore law andorder and rebuild trust among residents.

Her “100-Day Action Plan” will focus on a variety of issues including housing and education initiatives.

BUSINESSES SETTING UP BOOBY TRAPS IN THE DRUG HIVE OF THIS BLUE CITY: RECOVERING ADDICTS

Parker stated in her Tuesday speech that “not everyone will be happy” when we make certain decisions. “I want to let the world know that I’m fully committed to ending lawlessness in our city, and to bringing back order and a sense lawfulness.” Parker said.

According to the data of the city’s Police Department, Philadelphia has seen a surge in crime in recent years. The city now boasts more than 500 murders in two consecutive years. Data shows that homicides fell 22% between the years 2022 and 2023. However, some violent crimes such as robberies, aggravated assaults and gun-related crimes remain higher than pre-pandemic rates.

Kevin Bethel – a veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department with a career spanning nearly 30 years – was sworn in Tuesday as the city’s police commissioner alongside Parker. They discussed plans to combat the city’s ongoing crime epidemic and drug epidemic.

Bethel discussed the impact on the children of Kensington’s excessive drug use and promised to restore law and order “humanely and in dignity.”

SHE WAS THROWN AWAY THROUGH A WINDOW IN PHILLY’S OPEN-AIR DRUGS DEN. NOW, SHE HELPES OTHERS ESCAPE ITS GRAP

Bethel announced Tuesday that open-air drug market which are taking place in Kensington, and casting a shadow on our community, will be demolished. “We will pursue anyone who harms and traumatizes our neighborhoods in the entire city.”

Kensington, notoriously known for its public drug consumption is one of the Philadelphia areas that has been most affected by overdoses, according to data from the city’s health department.

In 2022, over 1,400 Philadelphia residents died of drug overdoses. This is an increase of 11% from the previous record high in 2021.

CRISIS IN KENSINGTON: WHERE CHILDREN REGULARLY STEP OVER BODIES TO GET TO SCHOOL

Drug users inject themselves openly with needles in Kensington every day, as children and residents walk by. Some addicts lie on the street, covered with gruesome injuries from an addictive animal tranquilizer known as xylazine. Others stumble across the busy streets in a haze.

“When we think of Kensington, only addicts come to mind,” Rodriguez said. “But families and children are literally held hostage in their homes in this community.” They cannot come out.

What this drug-ridden community looks like on a GLOOMY in the summer afternoon. WATCH:

Click Here to Download the FOX News App

Rodriguez, who had the opportunity to meet Parker during her election campaign, expressed optimism and hope about Parker’s plans for tackling the city’s rampant crime and drug addiction, especially in Kensington.

Rodriguez stated that “I believe everyone must be held accountable – from the police to the mayor, and even down below,” “There must be accountability and I see this initiative in a positive light.”