How to get your PD9 T-shirt

People keep asking how to get an Orange/Osceola Public Defenders branded T-shirt.

Well. Here’s your chance.

The T shirts are $15 each and are available in men’s crew and ladies V-neck styles.

You can use the handy, dandy order form and send your orders to:

Robert Wesley, P.O. Box 532055, Orlando, FL 32853-2055

Make checks and money orders payable to: Robert Wesley

Ordering deadline:  Friday, June 5^th

We need police body cameras now

During a town hall meeting Wednesday, May 20, in west Orlando Orange/Osceola Public Defender Robert Wesley, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Deming, Orlando Police Chief John Mina and State Attorney Jeff Ashton all agreed that body cameras can help curb police harassment and police brutality in minority communities.

Chief Mina told the gathering of nearly 75 residents at the Dr. James R. Smith Center said that it might take up to 4 years to issue the cameras to all patrol officers.

Mr. Wesley, who is responsible for providing legal defense for arrested people who can’t afford a lawyer, said the body cameras need to be deployed now to all officers to encourage trust between residents and law enforcement. The audience agreed.

Click here to see a video clip from that meeting.

Police/Body Cam Panel

Here's the info on the Wednesday night panel discussion on Police and Body Cameras.

The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Dr. James R. Smith Center on Bruton Blvd., west Orlando, near the John Young Parkway LB McLeod exit off I-4.

It should be very interesting because top officials including the OPD Chief and Sheriff are scheduled to attend.

Eyewitness CLE on May 1

On May 1, Public Defender Robert Wesley is hosting a CLE session with Karen A Newirth, Senior Fellow, Strategic Litigation Unit, The Innocence Project Inc.

Ms. Newirth will discuss modern strategies for litigating eyewitness identification cases in light of the recent National Academy of Science Report on eyewitness identification.

The session is free, but space is limited. It will be held May 1, 1 to 4 p.m.  at the Orange  County School District headquarters, 445 W. Amelia St., Orlando.

Reservations are required. RSVP to DefenderTraining@circuit9.org.

Our logo

The logo was designed for the Orange-Osceola Public Defender’s Office by professional comic book artist Leigh Walls.

Walls, a New York City native, interned with the legendary Marvel comics. He is known for developing numerous African-American superhero comic book characters, including Guardian Knight Presents.

Click here to see a video featuring Walls.