Captain Charles Vogt wanted to be a police officer since he was a young kid. “It was the cop shows, mostly,” said Captain Vogt, who was recently appointed the Commanding Officer in the 24th District that oversees the Port Richmond and Kensington sections of the city. All of the old shows: 1 Adam 12, Columbo, Dragnet, they all inspired Captain Vogt’s childhood dream of growing up to become a cop. “The facts, ma’am, just the facts. You know what I’m talking about,” laughed Vogt.

Like so many in his district, Captain Vogt is a graduate of North Catholic High School (class of 1981). He received an Associates Degree in Management from Community College of Philadelphia, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/Criminal Justice Administration from Holy Family University, and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Holy Family University.

Vogt grew up in Kensington, so coming to the 24th was a bit of a homecoming for him. The Captain has a proven track record on the force. This month marks his 22nd year as a Philadelphia police officer. He was appointed to the department on March 26, 1990, becoming a member of the “Center City Beats” in the 6th and 9th Districts as his first assignment. After four months in Center City, Vogt was assigned to the 17th District, where he worked in Five Platoon as a Tactical Patrol Officer. Captain Vogt has also worked in the 23rd District, the 15th District, Tactical and Narcotics Enforcement, Northeast Police Division Narcotics Enforcement Team, I.M.PA.C.T./ Internal Affairs Bureau, Police Detention Unit, and the Command Inspections Bureau.

I asked Captain Vogt what makes his district unique. “The population of the 24th is very diverse and the size of the district is huge,” stated the Captain, “We have everything from quiet to busy, from residential to commercial. This area, especially under the el, has changed rapidly with the change of the economy. Although there is a lot of unemployment (like with all industrial neighborhoods), there are also a lot of shopping areas. It has really changed a lot.”

Right now, the Captain is establishing district policies in the 24th, setting up operations the way he sees fit. “I’m an active ‘shirt sleeve’ kind of guy,” said Captain Vogt, “Once I get a feel for the area and set things up the way I think they need to be, I can be more creative in reaching out to people in this district.” Vogt prefers “proactive” police work as opposed to “reactive” police work. Like Commissioner Ramsey, he believes that “quality of life” crimes, such as underage drinking or graffiti have an unquestionable effect on high-level crime and felonies in a community. “I’m a huge proponent of the Commissioner’s PSA system and its underlying factors,” said Vogt.

Vogt looks to revisit the subject of deployment at least monthly in his district, keeping tabs on the amount of police stationed in the areas of the 24th. “We need to stay fluid with our deployment,” stated the Captain, “This is something we need to revisit constantly.” This is just a portion of the Captain’s system of increasing police presence and reducing crime at all levels.

Generally, when 911 is called, felonies go to the top of the list for police to address, so quality of life crimes move down on that list. However, Captain Vogt encourages neighbors in the 24th to call directly into the district (215-686-3240) when they see quality of life crimes occur. To speak to his philosophy, Vogt has posted bike and foot patrol officers to local “hot spots” with a large amount of quality of life crime to cut off this behavior beforehand. Also, the Captain looks to have an open line of communication between district patrol radios and local Town Watch groups on Friday and Saturday nights.

Vogt is looking to involve and engage neighbors and get as many civic groups involved as he can. “I want to increase community involvement as much as possible,” said Captain Vogt, “I have made every town watch and community meeting since I’ve been here.” The Captain is serious about community support, especially when it comes to teaching kids in the neighborhood early. He is looking to involve “at-risk” youth groups as much as humanly possible. “We want to engage our neighbors through community fun days and PAL centers, anything we can do to get kids off the street,” Vogt added. Captain Vogt also stated he would like to take a very active role in engaging the local Hispanic community and making them feel more welcome by local police. The Captain believes his local Hispanic neighbors are underrepresented and their voices are not being heard.

With its diverse population, the neighborhoods in the 24th District are a prime example of the growing pains the current economy can put on a community. To have a Commanding Officer like Captain Vogt, who was born and raised in the district is a blessing. Community activists can contact Captain Vogt by phone: (215) 686-3240 or e-mail: police.co_24@phila.gov.