Category: Criminal Justice Reform

Philly Defenders Secure Safe Release of 100 Clients

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

The milestone is a testament to the power of a collaborative approach to reducing Philly's jail population. 

 

PHILADELPHIA—In response to the dangerous conditions caused by severe staffing shortages in Philadelphia’s jails, the Defender Association of Philadelphia, in collaboration with the First Judicial District and the District Attorney’s Office, has successfully secured the safe release of 100 incarcerated people. This initiative, part of a series of Emergency Bail Hearings led by Judge Karen Simmons, aims to reduce the jail population while maintaining public safety.

 

The Emergency Bail Hearings began on October 1, with additional sessions scheduled in the coming weeks. These hearings prioritize cases involving individuals who can be released pre-trial without posing a threat to public safety. Attorneys from the Defender Association, including Chief Defender Keisha Hudson, First Assistant Defender Sarah Allen, Deputy Defender Stephanie Fennell, Andrew Pappas, and Tom Innes, worked closely with the Courts and the District Attorney’s Office to identify eligible clients.

 

“Reducing the jail population during this crisis is a crucial step in safeguarding both the rights of the incarcerated and the efficiency of our justice system,” said Hudson. “The success of these hearings shows the power of the collaborative approach we’ve been pushing for throughout the staffing crisis on State Road.”

 

Hudson added that the Defender Association is dedicated to continuing these efforts, working with City leaders and other advocates to secure additional releases and address the broader challenges facing Philadelphia’s jails. “This is an important milestone, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that we uphold fairness, accountability, and public safety for every citizen of Philadelphia.”

 

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Watch the story on NBC10

Talking Prison Conditions on WURD

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

October 8, 2024: Chief Defender Keisha Hudson and Director of Prison Advocacy Tom Innes spoke with Tonya Pendleton about Philly jail conditions on WURD’s “Reality Check.”

 

Full audio below: 

 

 

Defender PAU on “Public Defenseless” Podcast

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

How Philly Public Defenders Uncovered Systemic Abuses in the Philly Police Department

Mike Mellon and Paula Sen from the Police Accountability Unit joined Hunter Parnell on the “Public Defenseless” podcast. The PAU team spoke about how their work helped to uncover a systemic pattern and practice of lies and illegal use of surveillance cameras. 

 

Click the “play” button below to listen.

 

Keisha Hudson on Prison Oversight Bill

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

PHILADELPHIA—“The Defender Association commends Councilmembers Isaiah Thomas and Nicolas O’Rourke, as well as all the co-sponsors (Council President Johnson, and Councilmembers Ahmad, Bass, Brooks, Driscoll, Gauthier, Harrity, Jones, Landau, Lozada, O’Neill, Phillips, Squilla, and Young) for their leadership in introducing an amendment to create a new Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and Office of Prison Oversight.

 

“This legislation is a strong and crucial first step toward addressing the persistently dangerous conditions in Philly’s jails. We’re hopeful that the new oversight will increase transparency; improve communication between the jails and our office, as well as between the jails and the community; and enhance safety for both incarcerated people and prison staff by reducing the jail population.

 

“This legislation represents a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to public safety that goes beyond law enforcement, arrests and convictions. To that end, we echo the sentiments of Councilmembers Thomas and O’Rourke, who remind us that we have a responsibility to all of our citizens–including those behind bars.” 

 

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Statement: Another Death in Philly Jails

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

PHILADELPHIA–“The ongoing neglect by criminal justice partners to address the horrendous conditions  in Philly’s jails has resulted in the tragic death of Michael McKinnis. The Defender Association is still awaiting full information on the circumstances surrounding his death. For the second time in just ten days, we extend condolences to the family of another victim in the custody of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons.

 

“No guard was assigned to the unit where Mr. McKinnis was housed—an inexcusable but predictable outcome of the well-known guard shortage on State Road. The Defender Association has consistently proposed ways to safely reduce the jail population and ease pressure on the staff. We’ve repeatedly called for collaboration and dialogue to develop solutions to end this crisis.

 

“This crisis requires us to move as quickly and proactively as we did when COVID-19 was spreading through the jails. The time for city leaders to act is overdue. If this lack of urgency continues, more people are going to die in Philly’s jails.”

 

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Statement on Latest Overdose Death in Philly Jails

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

PHILADELPHIA–“The hearts of everyone at the Defender Association of Philadelphia are with the family of Amanda Cahill, who lost her life while in custody after being arrested in the latest ‘Kensington sweep.’ This devastating but avoidable tragedy highlights a fundamental failure in the City’s approach to dealing with the addiction crisis.

 

“Philadelphia’s jails are severely understaffed, and struggle to handle the existing prison population. They are simply not equipped to handle the surge of people with addiction resulting from these ‘sweeps.’ Ms. Cahill’s death is precisely the kind of tragedy that occurs when we use ineffective law enforcement tactics to address what is ultimately a public health issue. Arresting people suffering from addiction and placing them in jails that are unprepared to meet their many medical and mental health needs will only lead to more preventable deaths.

 

“We must prioritize the health and safety of all residents by investing in solutions that treat addiction as a medical condition, not a crime. If these sweeps are to continue, medical personnel should be on hand to conduct thorough examinations to determine whether individuals can be sent to hospitals rather than to jail.

 

“Clearly, the situation in Kensington is dire. That’s why the Defender Association has been calling for the City to work in collaboration with every justice system stakeholder to address these urgent issues comprehensively. Only by working in partnership—across public health, social services, law enforcement, and the legal community—can we prevent tragedies like Amanda Cahill from becoming the norm.

 

“We once again urge the city to reevaluate its current strategies and work with us and our community partners to find evidence-based solutions that genuinely address the root causes of addiction. Instead of a system that criminalizes our most vulnerable residents, let’s work together to build one that protects them—and their communities—in their most vulnerable moments.”

 

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Defender Association Response to $25 million Prison Settlement

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

PHILADELPHIA–”Although the court’s $25 million civil rights class-action settlement over prison conditions is a significant step, it is unfortunate that it’s taken repeated judicial intervention for the City of Philadelphia to fulfill its obligations. Judge McHugh’s ruling underscores the city’s ongoing failure to address the safety and dignity of incarcerated individuals. The well-being of those in custody in the Philly jails and the employees who work there should never be an afterthought, and we hope this ruling is a catalyst for lasting reform.

 

“We have repeatedly called attention to the inhumane conditions faced by those held in the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. The severe lack of transparency, inadequate staffing, and overcrowded facilities are ultimately a threat to both human rights and public safety. The city’s failure to heed these warnings and take decisive action has left the courts no choice but to step in.

 

“Our office has been advocating for the solutions outlined by Judge McHugh in his order, including assessing the release of low-risk, medically vulnerable individuals. While the order outlines processes to address the understaffing, the jail won’t be able to hire itself out of this crisis. We need to lower the population so that at least the oldest jail can be retired and the staff there reassigned where needed. These measures are critical steps that could significantly ease the burden on staff and improve safety conditions. 

 

“The Defender Association reiterates its call for the city to work in collaboration with every justice system stakeholder, community leaders and advocates to implement changes that prioritize safety, transparency, and accountability within our jails and across the justice system. But to ensure these changes are lasting and meaningful, we need to establish a permanent oversight body that can collaborate with prison administrators to prevent similar crises in the future. 

 

“Those incarcerated on State Road and the prison employees are citizens of Philadelphia. We can’t afford to leave them out of the public safety conversation.”

Defender CYJ Chief Nicole El on WURD Radio

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

On July 29, Philly Defender's Chief of Children & Youth Justice Nicole El visited the "Reality Check" show on WURD Radio. Nicole and host Tonya Pendleton discussed the implications of the planned closing of Philly's Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC)

Statement on Closing of Philly Juvenile Assessment Center

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia is deeply concerned about the proposed plan to permanently close the Juvenile Justice Assessment Center (JAC). This decision represents a significant step backwards in our collective efforts to implement trauma-informed policies for our youth.

 

“By reverting to older methods, we risk exposing children to the traumatic experiences that come with traditional arrest processes. They will be handcuffed and held in facilities that are not designed for them, in the same buildings with adult arrestees. This environment is not only inappropriate but also harmful, as their primary interactions will be with law enforcement officers rather than trained youth advocates.

 

“Closing the JAC means that young people will likely face repeated–and unacceptable–violations of the 6-hour rule, which states that juveniles must not be held in police custody for more than six hours without being charged or released. 

 

“The changes will impose additional training burdens on law enforcement, expecting them to fulfill roles outside their expertise. Creating an environment where families feel confident in accepting their child back home is crucial to preventing unnecessary stays in juvenile detention centers. Police officers, regardless of training, cannot replicate the expertise and approach of social workers dedicated to youth advocacy. They are ill-suited to handle the nuanced needs of young people and their families, including contacting family members, connecting them with community-based services, and ensuring safe transportation home from police stations. 

 

“Philadelphia’s law enforcement has historically struggled to ensure uniform and equitable implementation of diversionary policies. This history casts doubt on the effectiveness and fairness of the proposed changes.

 

“The Defender Association was part of the collaborative stakeholder team during the JAC planning process. However, we have not been included in discussions regarding decentralization, offense review processes, or the potential shift of community connections and resources to DHS-sponsored programs.

 

“We urge city officials to reconsider these changes. We must prioritize trauma-informed practices and the involvement of experienced social workers to truly support our youth and their families.”

 

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