Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace, a seasoned member of the police force with more than 20 years of service, is slated to speak at the Chestnut Hill Rotary Club's breakfast meeting. The event is scheduled for Feb. 28 at 7:30 am, at the Center on the Hill, located at 8855 Germantown Ave. within the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. This engagement is open to the public and will feature a presentation titled “Crime in the City,” specifically focusing on the issue of violent crime in Philadelphia and the challenges it poses to law enforcement.

Inspector Pace's extensive experience includes oversight of Homicides and Non-fatal Shootings, the Special Victims Unit, the Major Crimes Unit, and an FBI Task Force. Beyond his law enforcement duties, Pace is recognized as a Rotary Peace Fellow and an alumnus of the Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Fellowship at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. His selection as a Peace Fellow, from among thousands of applicants, highlights his commitment to balancing constitutional protections and civil rights with the imperative of public safety.

His career has spanned various roles within the Philadelphia Police Department, including positions in the Law Department as Judge Advocate, Police Academy Instructor, Public Information Officer, and Commanding Officer of the Court Evidence Unit. Pace regards his participation in the Rotary Peace Fellow Certificate Program as a pivotal experience, equating its significance to his time at the FBI National Academy. The insights and skills gained from this program have been instrumental throughout his law enforcement career.

In addition to his policing work, Pace is an experienced educator, serving as an adjunct professor teaching graduate and undergraduate courses at several colleges and universities. The upcoming breakfast meeting will not only offer insights into the complexities of managing violent crime in a major city but also provide a platform for dialogue, featuring a short question and answer session with attendees.

The community is encouraged to attend this informative session to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and strategies related to policing and violence prevention in Philadelphia.

The Rotary Club of Chestnut Hill, founded in 1995, serves the neighborhoods of Mt. Airy, Germantown and Chestnut Hill as well as surrounding communities.