PDAA Responds to Governor Wolf and Meek Mill call for Criminal Justice Reforms

Harrisburg, PA — The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association President and Berks County District Attorney John Adams issued the following statement in response to a news conference today with Governor Tom Wolf and rapper Meek Mill:

“Experienced leaders in Pennsylvania law enforcement have a long history of supporting earnest and responsible reforms to the criminal justice system. In fact, prosecutors have been part of significant improvements over the years to including more money for drug treatment, earned time credits for certain state offenders, limits on returning certain technical parole violators to state prison, clean slate reforms, and limiting drivers’ license suspensions.

We are always willing to take a look at smart, balanced reforms. We cannot, however let one individual under very unique circumstances indict an entire system. As this conversation moves forward, it is imperative that policymakers look through the lens of public safety and ensure fairness for defendants and victims. We caution against the wholesale elimination of appropriate consequences and accountability in the criminal justice system cloaked in the concept of reform.”

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Editor’s Note: PDAA President and Berks County District Attorney John Adams is available for comment.  DA Adams began his career as a probation and parole officer and served as a defense attorney before his election to District Attorney in 2008.

Contact: Lauren Cotter Brobson on behalf of PDAA, (717) 805-0271 or lcbrobson@cotterbrobson.com.