Debt-based license suspensions throw drivers into a cycle of poverty. B24-237 is an example of policy that reflects the economic reality of District residents—many of whom are continuing to survive a pandemic and recession, and generations of wealth inequality.
"District leaders must confront their biases, break the cycle, and use this critical moment to prioritize investment in prevention, community-based violence interruption and trauma services, school-based mental health services, restorative justice, and other effective public safety strategies."
This testimony urges the D.C. Council to address the inhumane conditions of the D.C. Jail facilities, the lack of transparency and accountability demonstrated by the Department of Corrections and its leadership, and the systemic injustices perpetuated by the District’s approach to public safety.
The ACLU-DC hopes the D.C. Council refuses to revert back to failed carceral approaches that have guided the District’s policies for too long. D.C. should strive to be an example to other jurisdictions of what public and community safety in the 21st century can look like.
The ACLU-DC supports the bill’s intent to make MPD’s disciplinary process more meaningful and to expand the role of the Office of Police complaints. But, the language lacks clarity and authority, so this testimony focuses on the accountability and disciplinary systems the bill addresses.
D.C. residents deserve full representation in our national government. Also, in granting Statehood through an act of Congress, S. 51 is a valid and defensible exercise of congressional power. It is beyond time to give D.C. the true autonomy and self-governance that comes with statehood.