OADC Statement Regarding Police Brutality

The OADC released the following statement on June 5, 2020:

Dear OADC Contractors,

We felt it important to release this statement in response to the senseless killing of George Floyd and so many others as a result of police brutality. We are deeply saddened and outraged and are committed to fighting racial injustice. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we come together as a community to support each other and our clients. 

As an indigent criminal defense agency, the Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel is committed to creating just and equitable outcomes for all involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. We stand with the Sam Cary Bar Association and agree with the Colorado and Denver Bar associations that “in these challenging times, it is more imperative than ever that we come together as a community — to both protect and support each other.”  

We recognize that this is an extremely difficult and painful time for our state, our country, our contractors and their clients, and the public defense community. Cities all over the country, including here in Denver, are in crisis. Issues that communities of color, specifically Black people, have faced for centuries in our country including but not limited to violence, harsher sentencing, and disproportionate police contact have been exposed and brought into focus. Both the impacts of COVID-19 and the routine instances of egregious police brutality on the Black community remind us of how ingrained white supremacy and racism are in American systems and institutions.  

We share the belief of the Coalition for Juvenile Justice that “the history of oppression in the United States has resulted in ongoing and systemic disparities.” We are also aware of the limitations of our agency and staff to address them. Yet, we believe that acknowledging injustice, educating ourselves, reflecting on our biases, highlighting Black and Brown voices, and breaking the silence are imperative. Thank you for continuing the daily fight for justice in courtrooms across the state.

In an act of solidarity, we acknowledge that: 

This work is urgent,

We will always be learning,

We will make mistakes and,

We will own our responsibility for corrective action.

Our efforts will be tireless and

We will not stop.

(Coalition for Juvenile Justice Equity Statement)

Please don’t hesitate to give us feedback or guidance on how we can best support you during these trying times. 

With gratitude,

Lindy & The OADC Team