News Release
For Immediate Release
June 15, 2010
Contact: Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700

Senate Adopts Greenleaf Resolution Authorizing Study of Philadelphia Criminal Justice System 

Today, the Pennsylvania Senate adopted Senator Greenleaf’s Senate Resolution 344, authorizing a study of Philadelphia’s criminal justice system. 

The resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission, the General Assembly’s central research agency, to assemble an advisory committee of stakeholders to examine Philadelphia’s Criminal Justice System, and based on its findings, make recommendations to the Senate for legislative action.   

The resolution was introduced following an April 19th Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on issues raised by the Philadelphia Inquirer in a series exposing problems in the city’s criminal justice system.  The Inquirer reported a widespread fugitive problem in the city along with rampant witness intimidation and increasing rates of violent crime, the highest among the nation’s largest cities.   

A second hearing was held on Friday, June 11th, focusing on witness intimidation.  Another hearing is being planned on the city’s failing bail program.  

"The Inquirer’s report prompted quick action from the Judiciary Committee," said Greenleaf, the committee’s chairman.  "We needed to begin collaborating on how to address these problems.  We were able to bring attention to this issue in the Legislature, and now we are moving forward with this advisory committee.  Already, the Judiciary Committee has heard testimony from experts, and from courageous members of the community who have come forward to share their stories.  I believe that Philadelphia is ready to come together to work on these issues.  The findings from this study will not only benefit Philadelphia, but will improve the criminal justice systems in each of Pennsylvania’s other 66 counties." 

The advisory committee will be comprised of approximately 30 members representing all aspects of the Philadelphia criminal justice system including law enforcement, prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys, the judiciary, crime victims and witnesses, and corrections personnel.  The committee may receive outside input from academia, public and private organizations, criminal justice experts, and the general public.  The advisory committee will make its report to the Senate with recommendations no later than 18 months from today.