The Committee of Seventy released the following statement in response to news of a second court order regarding the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office. This action follows up on their December directive for the Sheriff’s Office to address staffing issues that have caused unsafe conditions in our criminal justice system.
“The Sheriff’s Office had an opportunity to address serious security issues, but instead chose to shuffle staff around—seemingly to comply with the order while finding new ways to fail the residents it was meant to protect.
Even more troubling, rather than taking responsibility, the Sheriff deflected blame onto judges and court officials who are working to uphold the integrity and safety of our criminal justice system. Despite receiving increased funding in recent years, the office continues to neglect its most basic responsibilities—leaving blighted properties in limbo, delaying justice, and failing to provide essential services. The real victims here are the residents of Philadelphia, not the Sheriff.
We appreciate the courts’ diligence in holding the office accountable and encourage City Council and the mayor to follow suit. We remain committed to advocating for meaningful reform.”
Read the full Philadelphia Inquirer article on this development here.