PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney today appointed John M. Stanford, Jr. as interim Police Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department, following the departure of Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw.

Interim Police Commissioner John M. Stanford, Jr. is a lifelong resident of Philadelphia and has over twenty-two years of law enforcement experience. He joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 2002.

Interim Police Commissioner Stanford previously served as the 1st Deputy Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department, a role that serves as the second-in-command and executor to the Philadelphia Police Commissioner. Prior to his appointment to 1st Deputy Commissioner, Stanford served as an Inspector and Commanding Officer of the Internal Affairs Division overseeing Investigative Support Services (ISS) and the Force Investigation Team (FIT)/Shooting Investigation Team. He previously served as the Commanding Officer of the 19th Police District, Commanding Officer of the Public Affairs & Social Media Unit, and held assignments in the 12th District, 18th District, 22nd District, and South Detective Division.

Interim Commissioner John M. Stanford, Jr. has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business from the Pennsylvania State University and holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University. He is a graduate of Northwestern University for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command, the prestigious FBI National Academy, and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP).

Interim 1st Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 1990. He previously served as the Department’s Deputy Commissioner of Investigations, overseeing the investigative units and functions of the Philadelphia Police Department. Prior to his assignment to Deputy Commissioner of Investigations, Interim 1st Deputy Commissioner Vanore was the Chief Inspector of the Detective Bureau, Chief Inspector of Regional Operations Command-South, Inspector of Training and Education Services Division, Staff Inspector of Standards and Accountability, Commanding Officer of the 25th Police District, and Commanding Officer of Public Affairs. He also held assignments in the 25th District, Narcotics, South Detective Division, Homicide, East Detectives, the 1st Police District, and City Wide Vice.

Interim 1st Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Eastern University and a Master of Science in Public Safety Management from Saint Joseph’s University. He is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute (SMIP).

Mayor Kenney issued the following statement:

“I am proud to appoint 1st Deputy Commissioner John Stanford to the role of Interim Police Commissioner. Commissioner Stanford has dedicated his entire career to promoting public safety and protecting Philadelphia residents, and has been an excellent and effective leader in the Department. I am immensely grateful for his commitment to serving our city and I am confident that his dedication, experience, and skill will benefit the Department and our city.”

Interim Police Commissioner John M. Stanford, Jr. issued the following statement:

“It is both an honor and a blessing to have been chosen to serve as the Interim Police Commissioner. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the dedicated women and men of this Department, and to represent both them and this great city. I am fully aware of the tremendous responsibility that comes with this position, and I am committed to serving the people of Philadelphia and the members of our department with dedication and fairness. Therefore, it is crucial for us to remain mindful of the needs of our community members as well as the needs of our officers.

Philadelphia confronts complex challenges in the realm of public safety. While we have made significant progress, we must continue to work diligently to transform our city into a place where everyone not only can be safe – but also feels safe.”

I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with our command staff, community members, city leaders, and all stakeholders in our shared mission to make Philadelphia a place where everyone can confidently live, work, and visit, knowing that their safety and well-being remains our number one priority.”

Interim 1st Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore issued the following statement:

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Interim 1st Deputy Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department. It is an honor to work alongside the brave men and women of this department, who demonstrate unwavering commitment to public safety and community service. Together, we will address challenges, build trust, and ensure that Philadelphia remains a safe and supportive place for all.”

Headshots for Interim Police Commissioner Stanford and Interim 1st Deputy Commissioner Vanore are available online.