Delco Establishes Criminal Justice Reform Task Force

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Delaware County Tuesday launched a new task force aimed at reforming criminal justice in the county.

The Delaware County Council and the Office of the District Attorney Tuesday announced
the formation of a countywide Task Force on Criminal Justice Reform, to be chaired by District
Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

Task Force organizers plan initially to establish four working groups, as follows:

1. 21st Century Policing;
2. Principles for a 21st Century Prosecutor;
3. Legislative Change;
4. County Government’s Impact on Achieving Equality and Justice in Delco.

Additional working groups and/or subgroups will be created as necessary.

Each working group will prepare a report containing concrete and achievable recommendations.

Some working groups may need more time than others and, as a result, the task force plans to announce recommendations on a "rolling basis." Officials hope some recommendations are finalized by fall.

The task force has already contacted many of the organizations that it expects will play an important role in the success of the Task Force, including: the Sheriff’s Office, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Chiefs of Police Association, the NAACP, the Delaware County Black Caucus, our Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, state legislators and municipal leaders, the criminal defense bar and the Public Defender’s Office, as well as various community stakeholders.

Additional organizations will be consulted as needed. The names of specific individuals from these organizations will be provided as plans are finalized.