Philadelphia police launch program to help people get jobs

PHILADELPHIA (FOX 29) - Philadelphia police are helping those who are down on their luck and looking for a second chance. Dozens of people now have jobs and the program is expanding.

FOX 29's Jennifer Joyce has the story.

Wilbur Irik is looking for a new opportunity.

"I'm ready to buy a house and next year get married so I have goals to achieve," he said.

He came to a job fair through a new program called Turning a New Corner, which is a partnership between the Philadelphia Police Department and the National Black Police Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter. It's spearheaded by Philadelphia police officer Gregory Stewart who understands the correlation between poverty and crime.

"This is an opportunity where we are bringing employment services and social services to people that need it most right in the community," Officer Stewart said.

The program -- which is also building trust between police and the community-- launched last fall in Southwest Philadelphia. On Friday, it expanded to North and Northeast Philadelphia. In a few short months, police say the program has proven successful.

"We know that if we want to decrease crime we have to increase opportunity," Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Joe Sullivan said.

Irick says he's missed out on jobs in the past because he has a felony on his record from 19 years ago.

Employers teamed up with Turning a New Corner and are giving people of all backgrounds a chance. So start working on your resume and your interviewing skills, these job fairs will be held at various locations citywide the first Friday of every month.