Stephanie Purnell

My name is Stephanie Purnell and I am a retired 26-year veteran PPD detective. Having served in patrol in the 39th District for 10 years, before being assigned to the Civil Affairs Unit, where she was promoted to Detective in 1991 and served as a Detective for the latter 16 years.

I served in various capacities throughout my law enforcement career including; Past chapter President of the National Organization of Black Women in Law Enforcement (NOBWLE), Corresponding Secretary of the Guardian Civic League, Inc., and currently Executive Vice President of the National Black Police Association-Greater Philadelphia chapter.

Aside from my career-related work, I am the proud CEO and Executive Director of Sisters Performing Acts of Random Kindness, LLC ., (SPARK), a nonprofit organization. SPARK provides free laptops to marginalized middle school-aged students in the Philadelphia School System, shoes, clothing, and business attire to formerly incarcerated women in transitional living facilities in the NW community of Philadelphia. I am currently a sponsored candidate and prospective member of the Continentals Society, a fraternity of professional women who advocate for underprivileged youth throughout the region.

Unapologetically, grounded in my Christian faith, my life's motto is paraphrased by the words of Jesus Christ, “As you have done unto the least of these, you have done also to me.” - Matthew 25:40