Performance Oversight Testimony for the Department of Corrections

  • Status: Performance Oversight
  • Position: Oversight Testimony
  • Latest Update: February 4, 2026
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Summary

Background:
The American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia (ACLU-D.C.) wants to ensure that D.C.'s leaders are advocating for sensible, evidence-based reforms of criminal justice policies. This performance oversight testimony urged the D.C. Council to provide robust oversight of the Department of Corrections (DOC) and to address the systemic injustices perpetuated by the District’s decades-long carceral approach to public safety.

Our Position:

During the performance oversight season, ACLU-D.C. is asking the Council to both address the serious and life-threatening conditions at the D.C. jail and ensure that the new public-private partnership being pursued to fund the new D.C. jail includes strong public accountability measures, including the creation of a Community Advisory Board. Providing a safe jail is a core government function, and it must protect 8th Amendment rights against cruel and unusual punishment.

Authors:
Melissa Wasser

Related Issues

Criminal Justice Reform Disability Rights Due Process/Procedural Rights View All Issues