On October 2, the Defenders’ Police Accountability Unit Chief Mike Mellon spoke with Danielle Wilson on PhillyCAM about some of the issues related to policing and public safety in Philadelphia.
Learn More About the Police Accountability Unit
Watch the video below:
PHILADELPHIA—“Our (mostly Black and Brown) clients never get to present or argue a justification defense at a preliminary hearing. And they certainly do not get their cases dismissed based on a judge’s determination that there was a justification defense.
“Instead, our clients—all of whom are poor and almost exclusively Black and Brown people—have their cases held for trial, and they sit in jail for months awaiting their day in court. Going forward, certainly before this forum, Defender Association attorneys will be making the same arguments and demanding the same results.”
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PHILADELPHIA–“The Defender Association of Philadelphia joins Councilmember Isaiah Thomas in celebration of the one year anniversary of the Driving Equality Law, and thanks him for his vision and leadership in making this law a reality in Philadelphia.
“I also want to highlight the Defender’s Police Accountability Unit for the outstanding work they’ve done to compile and analyze the data that guides the purpose of this law–reducing the number of unnecessary, negative encounters between police and community members. The data is clear: Driving Equality has had a significant impact in cutting down racially-motivated pretextual stops, while having no negative impact on public safety.
“To truly appreciate Driving Equality, we should look beyond what the law does, and celebrate the thoughtful, evidence-based and collaborative approach to its creation. Driving Equality didn’t just happen–it is the culmination of months of debate, discussion and collaboration between City leaders, the Defender Association, the police and the community. Driving Equality is being studied and replicated by other American cities because it’s a great example of a ‘good government’ law that takes a balanced, data-driven approach to public safety and racial justice.
“The Defender Association is proud to be recognized for our subject matter expertise in this area, and are thankful for the opportunity we’ve been given to work with Councilmember Thomas and his team on this now nationally recognized model legislation.
“We’re committed to working together with elected leaders, justice system and community stakeholders on future endeavors to increase trust and cooperation between Philadelphia residents and institutions.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating one year of Driving Equality, and hope that this law is the first of many legislative initiatives aimed at making Philadelphia a more just and safe city.”
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The Defender Association is one of 30 local organizations across the country selected to participate in the Program. With Catalyst Grant funding, the PAU will publish a data dashboard that will empower community members to understand racial disparities in car stops across Philadelphia.
The dashboard, which will be automatically updated with the most current data available, will illustrate the intensity of police activity in neighborhoods across the city and show disparities in police stops by race, gender, and age.
It will help policymakers, legal practitioners, and community members understand patterns in car stops since Philly’s Driving Equality law was enacted, identify policing trends and systemic issues across the city, and challenge the effective legality of racial profiling in car stops.
Click here to learn more about the 2022 Catalyst Grant Program
Since 1934, we have believed that poverty shouldn’t prevent access to justice. Everyone, regardless of income, deserves the highest quality legal counsel.
This budget season, the Defender is requesting additional investments in social workers and attorneys to support our children and youth clients. Read our full testimony here:
Defender FY 2025 Budget Testimony
phillydefenders.org
The Defender Association's FY 2025 Budget Request: Attorney parity, and more resources to support Philly's Children & Youth!0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Check out some photos from our 90th Anniversary Gala on April 4! More highlights on the way!
phillydefenders.org
On April 4, 2024, we're celebrating 90 years of representing Philly youth and adults with a very special event!0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Celebrating Our Admin Team! 🥐
Today we gathered for a special breakfast to thank our amazing administrative staff for all their hard work. 🥞 Let’s keep showing our appreciation every day!
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#AdminAppreciation #BreakfastTogether #administrativeprofessionalsday #supportPhillydefenders
Apr 24
If we want a fair justice system in Philly, we need a proper balance of resources. That’s why we’re fighting for equal starting salaries for #phillydefenders attorneys. 🔗in bio to learn more about the client services we want to fund in our FY25 budget request.💰
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#fundphillydefenders #phillydefenders #philly #phillyattorneys #equality #attorneys #equalpay
Apr 23
On April 16, 2024, #phillydefenders @khudson_phillydefender & Sarah Allen testified before @phlcouncil about our request for a $15 million budget increase, which would mainly be used to hire more attorneys and social workers for our child and youth clients. ===========================
🔗 in bio for full written testimony #fundphillydefenders #thedefenseneverrests
#budgetseason
Apr 17
Monday #photodump: just a few of the amazing moments and people from the #defender90 #gala. What a fantastic and fun way to celebrate 90 years representing Philly! More highlights to come!
Thanks to all of the sponsors, honorees speakers, past and present #Phillydefenders & guests for making it happen! Photos: @christianwitha_c, @upncomingprodllc_ , & @livelensphotos for #wehadagreattime
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Apr 8
ONE more day until the BIG event‼️
Thrilled to have @whyy’s @cherrigregg as the host of our 90th anniversary gala! 🎉 Join us in commemorating 90 years of providing top-notch representation
to Philadelphia’s vulnerable communities.
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Can’t make it? Consider donating to our ‘Building the Next Generation of Defenders’ fund.✨
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When: Thursday, April 4th 📆
Where: The Constitution Center 📍
Time: 6pm—10pm ⏰
#philly #phillydefender #repjoannamcclinton #joannamcclinton #community #socialjustice #phillyreform #phillygamechangers”
Apr 3
This #budgetseason #phillydefenders is seeking more investment in supports and services for our children and youth clients. Check out our full written testimony to @PHLCouncil: https://phillydefenders.org/fy2025-budget/
#fundphillydefenders #thedefenseneverrests
NOW: Chief Defender @K_Nicole_Hudson presenting #phillydefenders budget testimony to @PHLCouncil. Watch here: https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-innovation-and-technology/phlgovtv/ #thedefenseneverrests #FundPhillyDefenders
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