FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2007

Contact: Kate Philips
215-988-0582
kate@bradyformayor07.com

Congressman Brady Announces “Break the Cycle” Crime and Recidivism Reduction Plan

AFSCME 810 Endorses Brady

PHILADELPHIA – Following an especially violent weekend where the homicide rate surged above 100, Congressman Brady and District Attorney Lynne Abraham gathered at Brady Campaign Headquarters to discuss the Congressman’s plan to reduce crime and recidivism in Philadelphia. Congressman Brady said he will fight in the state legislature to put Parole and Probation officers directly under the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety. He also announced the endorsement of AFSCME 810, a union comprised mostly of probation and parole officers.

“We have to stop the violence and we can if we understand the facts behind these senseless murders,” Brady said. “Last year, 83 percent of the suspects arrested in connection with homicides had criminal records. Right now 50,000 people in Philadelphia have an active connection to the criminal justice system. This weekend Philadelphians hit a sad milestone losing our 100th citizen to gun violence. It is time to break this cycle.

“By working with the District Attorney, the Courts and the prison system, my administration will protect Philadelphians in every neighborhood so that they will no longer be helpless victims of criminals who are stuck in a system that isn’t working.”

The Brady “Break the Cycle” plan calls for:

• Moving the Office of Parole and Probation to City Hall, leaving direct accountability with the Mayor;
• Creation of community parole offices with automated parolee check-in;
• Tracking parolees through GPS enabled bracelets;
• Hiring up to 300 parole officers;
• Giving parole officers the tools they need to get the job done: improving parole officer pay, and training parole officers to handle the unique demands of the job.

“Imagine tracking criminals all day—with little or no training, little pay and little support from the people you are protecting—that is a typical day for Philadelphia Parole officers,” said Brady.

“As Mayor I will equip our parole officers with modern equipment and expert training and bring their pay in line to reflect other major cities and the dangerous job they to do help protect every one of us.”

The Congressman and the District Attorney were also joined by State Senator Mike Stack and State Representative Louise Williams Bishop. AFSCME 810 President Bob Zimmerman represented the Probation and Parole Officers.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A copy of the Brady Housing Opportunities for Everyone Policy is attached.

As the next Mayor of Philadelphia Bob Brady will bring hope back to our city by fighting crime, investing in education and creating opportunity for all Philadelphians. www.bobbradyworks.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2007