CPR Statement Re: Death of Kalief Browder and the Lack of an Adequate Response by Public Officials

In response to the death of Kalief Browder and the failure of public officials to fully acknowledge the city's responsibility, Communities United for Police Reform released the following statement from spokesperson Priscilla Gonzalez.

New York, NY

"We send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Kalief Browder. We can only imagine the immense sadness they are experiencing, as we were devastated to learn of his passing.

"Kalief's treatment by the criminal justice system demonstrates how arbitrarily and routinely it dehumanizes and criminalizes members of our communities at every step - from initial contact with police to the Bronx District Attorney to the failed "correctional" system. All of these parts of the criminal justice system victimized Kalief, robbing him of so much by subjecting him to grave injustices.

"Yet, public officials have still not taken any responsibility for the failures of the systems they control or oversee - no clear acknowledgment of the culpability of the Bronx DA, NYPD, or Department of Corrections. It's time for elected and public officials to clearly acknowledge that our city government is responsible for the state-sanctioned torture of Kalief, and take comprehensive and concrete actions to end the dysfunction that pervades all facets of our policing and criminal justice systems."

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About Communities United for Police Reform: Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) is an unprecedented campaign to end discriminatory policing practices in New York, and to build a lasting movement that promotes public safety and policing practices based on cooperation and respect– not discriminatory targeting and harassment. CPR brings together a movement of community members, lawyers, researchers and activists to work for change. The partners in this campaign come from all 5 boroughs, from all walks of life and represent many of those unfairly targeted the most by the NYPD. CPR is fighting for reforms that will promote community safety while ensuring that the NYPD protects and serves all New Yorkers.