Tanner Rouse: The New Face of Delaware County's Justice System
A Familiar Face with Big Plans
Tanner Rouse is set to take over as Delaware County's district attorney. He's no stranger to the job, having served as the first assistant since 2020. Rouse steps into the role after his predecessor, Jack Stollsteimer, moves on to a county judgeship.
Rouse has big plans for his new role. He wants to keep the progress made in reducing violent crime. But he also wants to add his own touch to the job. He compares it to a football coach taking over a team. Rouse is a big Eagles fan and even coaches Little League.
A Seasoned Prosecutor
Rouse is no newcomer to the criminal justice world. He worked as a prosecutor in Philadelphia, where he learned a lot—especially about fighting gun violence. He brought some of his old colleagues to Delaware County, and together, they've made a difference.
Proud of Progress
Rouse is proud of what he's done so far. Gun violence in Chester has dropped by 75%. He credits community outreach programs for this success. He also made sure to be visible in the communities he serves, avoiding being just a faceless authority figure.
Reforms and Results
He's introduced some key reforms:
- A diversionary unit
- A revamped drug court
- A special court for young victims
The county's jail population has also gone down by 50%. Rouse believes in a humane approach to justice.
Looking Ahead
Rouse wants to expand community outreach to Upper Darby. He also wants to work with neighboring counties on drug cases. He believes in mentorship and wants to bring that to Delaware County.
