Message from Sheriff John D. Green

John D. Green is serving his sixth term as Sheriff of the City and County of Philadelphia. The years of his administration have been marked with significant improvements in courtroom security, service delivery and fiscal management. As a member of the Mayor’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission, he was appointed convening Co-chair of the Justice Reform Security and Transportation Committees. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Judicial Board and the National Sheriff’s Association.

Sheriff Green has instituted numerous programs that have greatly benefited Philadelphians, such as the Sheriff’s HOPE Project (Home Ownership through Participation and Education), a community outreach program started in 1988 to open up the Sheriff Sale process to potential first-time home buyers and working class families through informational seminars as well as public hearings that resulted in changes in the conditions of Sheriff Sales; the Junior Posse anti-drug project that has reached tens of thousands of Philadelphia public school children; re-instatement of hospital and funeral petitions for the family members of incarcerated defendants; and re-activation of the domestic abuse warrant unit. Under his management, revenue for the City was more than tripled through interest-bearing investments.

A native of Philadelphia, Green is a graduate of Simon Gratz High School. After attending Lincoln University for two years, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University. John is married to the former Michelle Benson, and is the father of six children; Tanya Green Fuller, Reginald, Andrea, John Jr., Melanie and Nicole.

John Green began his career in 1971 with the Philadelphia Police Department as a patrolman. During his 16 years as a professional law enforcement officer, he ascended the ranks to Sergeant of the Northwest Detective Division; Supervisor of the Police Recruitment Unit, and to administrative appointment with Internal Affairs.

He was elected president of the Philadelphia Guardian Civic League in June 1981 where his administration was distinguished by bringing the need for more minority police officers to the forefront of the City. The impact of his efforts resulted in an Executive Order, signed by former Mayor William Green, decreeing an affirmative action plan for the Philadelphia Police Department.