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Peace DC’s Path Marred With Questions About Pretrial Detention

June 25, 2025

A D.C. grandmother has expressed serious concerns about her grandson's safety in the D.C. Department of Corrections facility, where he has experienced violence from both other residents and correctional officers while awaiting trial for nearly three years. Her testimony comes as the D.C. Council moves toward permanently expanding pretrial detention through the Peace DC Omnibus Amendment Act, despite a recent report showing jail death rates at 3. 5 times the national average and documented incidents of staff misconduct.

Who is affected

  • Pretrial detainees in D.C. jails, particularly the anonymous grandmother's grandson
  • Families of incarcerated individuals, including visitors who face disrespectful treatment
  • Black residents who are disproportionately held in pretrial detention
  • D.C. Department of Corrections staff dealing with staffing shortages and overtime
  • Communities experiencing the impacts of crime and incarceration policies
  • Exonerated individuals like Taya Johnson who face challenges rebuilding their lives after detention

What action is being taken

  • The D.C. Council is advancing legislation (Peace DC Omnibus Amendment Act) to make expanded pretrial detention permanent
  • Mayor Bowser is supporting the pretrial detention provision while also advocating for a new jail facility
  • The D.C. Auditor has released a report documenting jail conditions and providing recommendations
  • Advocacy groups like Harriet's Wildest Dreams are conducting court watch programs and supporting families affected by incarceration
  • Councilmembers Robert White, Brianne Nadeau, and others are opposing the pretrial detention expansion based on lack of supporting data

Why it matters

  • The D.C. jail death rate is 3.5 times the national average with overdose deaths 10 times higher than U.S. jails overall
  • The Office of D.C. Auditor documented 400 incidents of staff use of force and serious safety concerns
  • Pretrial detention impacts individuals presumed innocent, causing them to lose jobs, housing, and family connections
  • The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council could not find "meaningful patterns" confirming that expanded pretrial detention reduced reoffending
  • The issue disproportionately affects Black residents and raises questions about balancing public safety with justice

What's next

  • The second reading of the Peace DC Omnibus Amendment Act is scheduled for July 1
  • The current expansion of pretrial detention is set to expire on July 15 if not made permanent
  • Advocacy groups plan to press Councilmember Pinto for changes to the pretrial detention provision before the second reading
  • Mayor Bowser plans to address jail staffing issues through changes to the D.C. government paid leave policy in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Support Act
  • A new jail facility is being considered as a long-term solution to address contraband and staffing concerns

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer