Task Force to Look at All Aspects of Criminal Justice in Delaware County, With Changes Promised
A task force focusing on criminal justice reform has been formed in Delaware County in response to recent protests over police brutality, particularly against black Americans.
The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office joined with Delaware County Council to form the task force.
District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer will head the task force.
“For too long, distrust has been allowed to exist between law enforcement and the communities that they are sworn to protect and serve,” said Stollsteimer in a release.
He promised the task force will look at more than just police, but at the “practices as prosecutors, as public defenders, as well as our approach to probation, parole and incarceration.”
County Council member Elaine Schaefer said they would also look at ways for the county to foster equality and justice beyond law enforcement, in public health, education and substance abuse.
Council Vice Chairman Dr. Monica Taylor said they would look at the policies and practices of the criminal justice system and local government to see what needs to be changed or improved.
Four working groups will look at
- 21st Century Police
- Principles for a 21st Century Prosecutor
- Legislative Change
- County Government Impact on Achieving Equality and Justice in Delco.
Each working group will prepare a report of “concrete and achievable recommendations,” the release states, with a goal of finalizing some recommendations by the fall.
Organizations and individuals involved include the Sheriff’s Office, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Chiefs of Police Associaiton, the NAACP, the Delaware County Black Caucus, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, state legislators, municipal leaders, the criminal defense bar and the Public Defender’s Office.
On June 10, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office banned the use of choke holds on suspects by any of its deputies.
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