ArchCity Defenders

ArchCity Defenders is a comprehensive legal advocacy group that challenges the criminalization of indigence and state violence, especially in communities of color. The organization operates on a foundation of civil and criminal legal representation, services for underserved clients, impact litigation, policy and media support, and community partnership achieves and motivates justice and equitable solutions for individuals throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. Currently, they focus their efforts on three key areas of the criminal justice system: state sponsored violence, advocacy for individuals experiencing homelessness, and those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. ArchCity Defenders has found that St. Louis police departments have the highest rate of police killings in the country, and their advocates work tirelessly to hold police accountable for the continued use of excessive force, most prominently against citizens of color. They also work to protect those experiencing homelessness, addressing the underlying factors rather than criminalizing individuals in need of help.