Bail in the Midwest Midwest Bail

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Kim Ogg, the district attorney for Harris County, Texas. They discuss the tremendous negative impact of bail reform efforts in the nation’s third-largest county. We are offered a rare, insider’s look as District Attorney Ogg addresses the challenge of dealing with stakeholders less concerned about public safety than about playing politics. Among the concerns she addresses is the weaponization of the issue of bail, much to the detriment of ...

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Doug Bedford, who previously served as undersheriff of Johnson County, Kansas and is currently running for sheriff in the same county. They discuss the important role the sheriff’s office plays in maintaining public safety. Among the issues they tackle is the need to address mental health requirements of individuals in custody, the widespread problem with drugs, as well as the challenge of getting various law enforcement agencies throughout the ...

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Jeff Reisig, the district attorney for Yolo County, California. They discuss a 2022 study his office conducted that revealed that Yolo County’s zero bail policy had resulted in an increase of 163 percent in total crime and more than a 200 percent spike in violent crime. Mr. Reisig shares his views on the current state of criminal justice and our court systems, and the measures that can be taken to bolster public safety.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, James Quinn, who served as an assistant district attorney for Queens, New York for 42 years. They discuss the alarming rise in crime due to bail reform efforts, especially in New York, which in 2019 greatly reduced all forms of monetary pretrial release. Mr. Quinn offers a first-hand view of how the situation played out during his time in the DA’s office.

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, Joe Gamaldi, the National Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police, who also serves as an active duty officer in the Houston Police Department. They discuss ongoing attacks on the nation’s criminal justice system. What began as simplistic calls for “bail reform” has devolved into demands to defund the police. However, growing threats to public safety have left some citizens fearful of even going to work in the morning. Join us...

Join host Shane Rolf and his guest, the Honorable David R. Platt, who served as a District Court judge for 22 years in Kansas’ Eighth judicial district. They explore the role of the judicial branch of our nation’s governmental system – the most enigmatic of the three branches. While most are aware of the functions of those who serve in the executive and legislative branches, the judiciary is the least transparent and least accountable to the people. Judge Platt offers a rare...