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, regardles
Save the date: MON, Dec 4th‼️
Support us as we join several of our partners
in speaking on ICE arrest at 10am.
📍Criminal justice center.
1301 Filbert St
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Great article in The Philadelphia Citizen about our partnership with Partners for Justice, providing resources to individuals navigating the legal system! ⚖️
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Click the link to read the full article
#philly #reform #phillyreform #reformresources
thephiladelphiacitizen.org/partnering-for-better-criminal-justice/
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Recap from this week’s annual
#phillydefenders x @muralarts Art Exhibit & Sale, featuring over 100 pieces from formerly and currently incarcerated people! Proceeds from art sales go toward re-entry programs for returning citizens. 🎨🖌️
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#thingstodoinphilly #phillyfundraiser #phillymurals #phillymuralarts #philly #returningcitizens #stopmassincarceration #reform #reformphilly #phillyphilly #phillysupportphilly #phillyevents #phillynonprofit
Dec 1
Chief defender, @khudson_phillydefender testified in front of @phlcouncil Committee on Public Safety in support of an amendment to @cmthomasphl Fair Chance Hiring Legislation, which prohibits city agencies & private employers from rejecting an applicant based on a conviction that resulted in exoneration.
We are thrilled to partner alongside @clsphila & @innocencepa on this!
Nov 27
Sporting our red gear today to stand with children and families whose living conditions are uncertain for Homeless Youth Awareness Month. ❤️
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Tag us in photos of you rocking your red gear! #ecyehregion1 #redshirtday #iwillbeyourvoice #HomelessYouthAwareness #HomelessYouth #Homelessyouthawarenessmonth
Nov 17
18% of Philly’s youth suffer from homelessness. Housing insecurity is a major source of disruption and trauma for our young clients and their families. Join #phillydefenders tomorrow as we raise awareness of youth homelessness by wearing the color red. Share your pics with us on social media to help spread the word. #ecyehregion1 #redshirtday #iwillbeyourvoice #HomelessYouthAwareness #HomelessYouth #Homelessyouthawarenessmonth
@yasprojectphilly @yeahphilly @juvlaw1975 @phlyouth
Nov 16
Save the date: MON, Dec 4th‼️
Support us as we join several of our partners
in speaking on ICE arrest at 10am.
📍Criminal justice center.
1301 Filbert St
Great article in @Thephilacitizen about our partnership with @partnersforjustice, providing resources to individuals navigating the legal system! ⚖️
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Read the full article
https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/partnering-for-better-criminal-justice/
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