Read about how #ManhattanDA candidates are responding to our pledge and a community push against gang prosecutions that have ramped up under Cyrus Vance for almost a decade, incl his use of big data surveillance. https://gothamist.com/news/majority-manhattan-da-candidates-pledge-sever-ties-palantir

No one vying to be a so-called "reformer" can continue in the legacy of what Cy Vance has done in Manhattan's Black and brown communities, including a 2014 mass gang takedown in West Harlem that was then the biggest gang sweep in New York City history.

Last month, we asked the remaining 8 candidates to respond to our pledge points. 7/8 responded and most made commitments around this issue. All of our pledge points had majority support. Here are the results:

7/8 pledged to call for an end to the NYPD's gang database. Read more here: https://theintercept.com/2019/06/28/nypd-gang-database-additions/

7/8 pledged not to use in-house versions of a gang database, if elected.

6/8 committed to not using conspiracy against so-called street gangs, which marked a turn from responses at a forum last October. Read more: https://gothamist.com/news/all-9-manhattan-da-candidates-promise-to-end-the-trial-tax-split-on-gang-conspiracy-prosecutions

7/8 committed to not using gang allegations in seeking bail, pre-trial detention or remand, which would mark a major change for the better in NYC.

7/8 pledged to abandon Cy Vance's "Intelligence-Driven Prosecution" model, which has been a key part of his gang takedown apparatus. Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/magazine/cyrus-vance-jrs-moneyball-approach-to-crime.html

5/8 pledge to restrict use of confidential cooperators, who often time provide whatever testimony prosecutors want in exchange for their own freedom.

6/8 pledge to sever ties with Palantir and other third party surveillance & analysis firms. Read more (from LA): https://theintercept.com/2021/01/30/lapd-palantir-data-driven-policing/

7/8 committed to creating a new unit to help reverse wrongful convictions in gang cases, which would provide some hope for people with loved ones incarcerated through gang prosecutions.

Let's continue to put community pressure on this election and this office. Pls visit http://peopleforprosecutoraccountability.org  for more information.

And check out tonight's @5BoroDefenders DA forum at 6:30PM: https://www.facebook.com/5borodefenders/posts/1882696775234273