Brooklyn Defenders

Shotspotter doesn't work. It fails to make our communities safer, at the expense of increased surveillance & policing of Black and Latine neighborhoods and $54M dollars. We spoke with @HellGateNY about our new report analyzing 9 years of NYPD data: hellgatenyc.com/nypd-shotspott…

Next week! Join S.T.O.P., @BklynDefender, @RAPPcampaign, and the Forensic Evidence Table for a panel on how pervasive call recording erodes fundamental protections for incarcerated people, their families, and their communities. RSVP: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

As NYC moves to renew its contract with Securus, join us on May 28 for a #PowerDownSurveillance panel on how carceral surveillance normalizes permanent criminal suspicion and an infrastructure of invasive surveillance tools. Register at the link in bio. stopspying.org/events

We are calling on the city to drop Securus and on City Council to pass the End Correctional Community Surveillance (ECCoS) Act. RT to spread the word.

All of this sensitive information is being held by a company that has already unlawfully recorded attorney-client calls at Rikers, suffered major data breaches, and illegally tracked cell phone users' locations.

NYC is about to renew a 5-year, $23M contract with Securus Technologies, a prison communications company that records private phone calls from Rikers Island, collects massive amounts of personal data, and uses that data to train AI systems. 🧵thecity.nyc/2026/05/12/rik…

A TOP can cost someone their home, their job, their kids — before a single fact is tested in court. For immigrant New Yorkers, it can also mean ICE detention and federal records that follow them for years. Albany can fix this. Join us May 19 in Albany to fight for the #PromPTAct

On April 14, we rally. Join lawmakers, directly impacted people & advocates demanding accountability, the firing of DSS Blot & humane conditions at Bedford Hills. We cannot wait for another life to be lost. 📍 In-person + 💻 virtual RSVP: rebrand.ly/Bedford414 #Justice4Bedford

Youth incarceration is not simply a justice issue; it is a public health crisis. A new op-ed from José Perez of @ChildDefender and Reggie Chatman of @thefortunesoc explains why we need the Youth Justice & Opportunities Act now. imprintnews.org/opinion/youth-…

BREAKING: We’re suing New York over unlawful delays adjudicating SCR appeals that leave parents unable to work or care for family. Nearly 70% ultimately prevail—but many wait over a year. The SCR is a shadow criminal record. Not child safety. bds.org/assets/files/S…

TAKE ACTION: Families are safer together. Join us in Albany on March 11th alongside families, advocates, and attorneys to call for legislative change rooted in equity, support, & empowerment. RSVP: bit.ly/familyadvocacy…

We congratulate Stanley Richards on his appointment as Commissioner of the NYC Department of Correction. He comes to this role at a critical moment to end the culture of violence & neglect, close Rikers, and build a system rooted in dignity and humanity. bds.org/assets/files/B…

250 coats = 250 neighbors staying warm! A sincere thank you to @newyorkcares for providing these essential items for the people we serve. Our staff is thrilled for the opportunity to distribute them. This collaboration helps ensure no one is left out in the cold.

A successful day at the Capitol fighting for reproductive justice behind bars. Centering lived experience. Demanding care over cruelty. The work continues. tiktok.com/t/ZP8PGtamT/

The Coalition to Protect Raise the Age rallied at City Hall urging state lawmakers to preserve the law & streamline funding. AM Latrice Walker warned rolling back Raise the Age would undo progress & instead called for investing in opportunities for youth. bds.org/assets/files/C…

Join the coalition to Protect Raise the Age! Wednesday Jan 14 10:30a - 11:30a on the steps of New York City Hall.

BDS congratulates Ali Najmi on his appointment as Chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. We welcome the Mamdani administration’s commitment to engaging defense counsel and the broader legal community in judicial selection.

In 2017, NY’s Raise the Age ended charging all 16- & 17-year-olds in adult court. The evidence is clear: treating kids as adults doesn't reduce crime. We must protect Raise the Age and ensure it’s fully implemented by investing in youth programs: raisetheageny.org

We’re proud to share that BDS’ Senior Jail Services Attorney Michael Klinger has been appointed to Mayor-elect Mamdani’s Transition Committee on the Criminal Legal System. Michael brings deep experience working with people in NYC jails and leading reform efforts.

On Dec. 1, join us in NYC, Albany, Rochester, Westchester, Newburgh or Long Island to demand #ParoleJusticeNY and uplift our vision for safety rooted in reuniting families, promoting personal transformation, and meeting peoples’ needs. RSVP: bit.ly/parolejusticek….