Smart Justice

Restore Hope
  • 5.0 (14)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • SERIES

Smart Justice covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system issues, including incarceration, foster care, and juvenile justice. The podcast is produced by Restore Hope.  Website: http://smartjustice.org  Support: https://smartjustice.supercast.com 

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  1. I Live This Every Day. People Are Hurting.

    EPISODE 1

    I Live This Every Day. People Are Hurting.

    Send us a text "Everyone sees a side on the news, but I live it. I have to live this every day." These powerful words from Yolanda Harrison capture the devastating reality of gun violence in America—not as a headline that fades, but as an unending journey of grief that transforms lives forever. Yolanda's story begins with her son Devan: a talented musician, church youth group member, and college student with dreams. Despite growing up in a good neighborhood, attending quality schools, and being raised with strong values, Devan became one of the countless young Black men lost to senseless violence. The night Devan died started ordinarily enough. They had planned to see a movie, but when Yolanda had a headache, Devan went out to meet someone about making music, saying he would return soon. That was the last time she saw him alive. What followed was every parent's nightmare—a middle-of-the-night hospital call, the trauma of seeing her son with a fatal gunshot wound to the head, and the fog of grief so thick she doesn't even remember his funeral. The shooter served less than a year on a misdemeanor charge. Media reports falsely suggested drug involvement, reinforcing the very stereotypes Yolanda had worked tirelessly to keep her son from being associated with. From this unimaginable loss emerged purpose. Yolanda founded Mothers of Black Sons Standing Against Death. Her advocacy work spans from partnering with former gang members to serving on the Mayor's Hope Council, all focused on creating paths away from violence for young people. This episode kicks off Smart Justice's special series on Group Violence Intervention (GVI), an evidence-based approach that identifies the small number of individuals driving most violent crime and engages them directly before violence occurs. Through stories like Yolanda's, we see that addressing gun violence requires more than outrage—it demands community-based solutions that offer everyone a shot at hope. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

    22 min
  2. How Indianapolis Significantly Cut Homicides

    EPISODE 2

    How Indianapolis Significantly Cut Homicides

    Send us a text In 2021, Indianapolis was facing one of the highest homicide spikes in the nation. By 2024, the city had reduced criminal homicides by an astounding 54%.  Smart Justice travels to Indiana to explore a bold new strategy that’s transforming how cities tackle gun violence. Known as Indy Peace, the city’s violence reduction model is a three-pronged approach built on intervention, prevention, and neighborhood stabilization—and it’s getting national attention. How can this help other communities? It's a roadmap that’s not cookie-cutter, but replicable—with the right leadership, resources, and patience. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

    20 min
  3. Where Others Fled, They Built

    EPISODE 3

    Where Others Fled, They Built

    Send us a text Pastor Mark DeYmaz leads Mosaic Church, a multiethnic congregation in Little Rock, Arkansas. He’s spent decades working across lines of race, class, and politics to try to rebuild broken trust in some of the most wounded neighborhoods. He intentionally built his church in an area of the city with some of the highest crime rates—an area with significant homelessness and opioid issues—putting them right in the middle of the challenges they aim to address. The church has spent decades creating what DeYmaz calls a “hub of hope”—offering everything from food and counseling to housing support and chess club. DeYmaz breaks down two essential needs every person must have—significance and security—and why addressing those needs is key to preventing violence and creating lasting change. From repurposing abandoned buildings to attracting investment from the business community, he explains that restoring neighborhoods isn’t just about programs—it’s about people, persistence, and purpose. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

    20 min
  4. After Little Rock’s Deadliest Year, a Prosecutor Charts a New Path

    EPISODE 4

    After Little Rock’s Deadliest Year, a Prosecutor Charts a New Path

    Send us a text Pulaski County Prosecutor Will Jones started his role in 2023 following the deadliest year for homicides in Little Rock's history. He says it was time to find a different approach to fighting crime—one that would require him to think outside of the traditional prosecutor role.  In this interview with Jones, we discuss crime trends, community trust, and a new path forward through Group Violence Intervention (GVI), an evidence-based approach he believes could be transformative for Pulaski County. According to Jones, violent crime in Pulaski County is trending downward now. He says homicide numbers are down 44% countywide and nearly 50% in Little Rock compared to 2022.  But he is quick to note that success isn’t measured by statistics alone. “It’s still a very troubling number. We’re not going to stop until we get that number to zero.” He says we have to remember one key insight: most violent crime is committed by a small number of individuals. “It’s a very small number that is responsible for 90% of the violent crime,” he says. “If we can figure out a way to target that group—or help that group—then I think we’ll see a significant reduction in violent crime.” Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

    19 min
  5. Proof in the Numbers: Tracking Change To Save Lives

    EPISODE 5

    Proof in the Numbers: Tracking Change To Save Lives

    Send us a text "When violence drops, hope rises." These powerful words capture the remarkable transformation occurring in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where an innovative approach called Group Violence Intervention (GVI) has helped the city achieve over 500 consecutive days without a juvenile homicide. Once regularly appearing on lists of America's most dangerous places, Pine Bluff is now becoming a model for how smaller communities can effectively combat gun violence. Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, a criminologist at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, leads the research measuring GVI's impact. Her team goes beyond tracking crime statistics, conducting surveys with youth in the justice system and their families to understand the full picture. This comprehensive approach reveals not just whether violence is decreasing, but why—identifying critical risk factors that can be addressed before tragedy strikes. "We're looking at it from all different points, which is very exciting, getting that full picture," Dr. ten Bensel explains. What makes Pine Bluff's story particularly significant is how it demonstrates that strategies developed for major metropolitan areas can be successfully adapted to smaller communities. The program brings together law enforcement, social services, and families affected by violence to deliver a unified message: violence will not be tolerated, but help is available. This coordinated approach creates what Dr. ten Bensel describes as "almost a wraparound service to the problem." The results speak for themselves, showing that when communities apply evidence-based strategies with passion and persistence, even entrenched patterns of violence can change. As Dr. ten Bensel notes, gun violence impacts everything from trust in institutions to economic prosperity—making effective intervention strategies essential for community revitalization. "We're not just throwing money at the problem," she emphasizes. "We're actually being very thoughtful about how to spend our resources to get the most effective outcome." Listen to A Shot at Hope on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or visit smartjustice.org to discover how measurement turns good intentions into meaningful change. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

    13 min
  6. A Community at a Crossroads: Understanding Crime in Pulaski County

    EPISODE 6

    A Community at a Crossroads: Understanding Crime in Pulaski County

    Send us a text Gun violence is devastating Pulaski County families and weakening community bonds. But what if there were proven strategies to interrupt this cycle of violence before more lives are shattered? This episode captures the first of three public meetings where local leaders come together to confront this challenge head-on. Little Rock Police Chief Heath Helton shares encouraging statistics about crime while acknowledging the persistent problem of gun violence, particularly among young people. His message is clear: public safety requires everyone's participation, not just law enforcement's. County Prosecutor Will Jones reveals the staggering backlog his office inherited and how they're working to deliver justice to waiting families. His colleague Casey Beard introduces the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy, which targets the small number of individuals driving most of the violence, offering support and alternatives before tragedy strikes. From the Division of Youth Services, Kimberly Key-Bell addresses the profound impact of COVID-19 on youth mental health and educational engagement. She paints a sobering picture: "ghost kids" who disappeared from school during the pandemic and the $120,000 annual cost to house a single youth in the juvenile justice system. Throughout the discussion, a powerful consensus emerges: violence prevention requires coordinated action across sectors. From credible messengers with lived experience to mental health services, from educational support to community mentorship—each piece forms part of a comprehensive solution. If you care about community safety, youth development, or evidence-based approaches to complex social problems, this episode offers both hope and practical pathways forward. Join the conversation and discover how you can be part of the solution. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

    26 min
  7. How Credible Messengers Save Lives

    EPISODE 7

    How Credible Messengers Save Lives

    Send us a text One of the most powerful tools in the fight against violence isn’t found in the courtroom—it’s in the community. Credible messengers are people with lived experience in gangs, incarceration, and the streets who now use their past to build trust and guide others toward a different future. In this episode, we meet Julius Buie, who spent more than two decades in gang life before becoming a credible messenger in Pulaski County. Today, he mentors youth, advocates in courtrooms, and offers second chances to people on the edge of violence. His story shows why credible messengers are essential partners in reducing shootings, saving lives, and creating safer communities. 👉 Watch more episodes of the Smart Justice podcast: SmartJustice.org #CredibleMessenger #GunViolencePrevention #SmartJustice #AShotAtHope Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

    14 min
  8. Silencing the Sirens: Voices That Save Lives

    EPISODE 9

    Silencing the Sirens: Voices That Save Lives

    Send us a text In this episode of the Smart Justice podcast, we sit down with Reverend Kevin Crumpton, pastor, community leader, and project manager for Pine Bluff’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy. Crumpton has worn many hats throughout his career—from probation officer and jail lieutenant to school PTO president—but his lifelong passion has always been serving young people and families in crisis. As a trusted voice in his community, Crumpton plays a unique role in bridging law enforcement, schools, social services, and families impacted by gun violence. He shares how Pine Bluff went more than 550 days without a homicide, what it means to respond to families within hours of a tragedy, and how wraparound resources like grief sessions, school counseling, and even emergency relocation funds help prevent cycles of retaliation. Crumpton also emphasizes that GVI isn’t a program—it’s a strategy rooted in relationships, accountability, and hope. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

    12 min
  9. How Fort Worth Is Reducing Shootings

    EPISODE 10

    How Fort Worth Is Reducing Shootings

    Send us a text Pastor Rodney McIntosh knew something had to change in Fort Worth, Texas. Drawing inspiration from the Advance Peace model in Richmond, California, he launched Violence Intervention and Prevention Fort Worth (VIPFW) – a program that's transforming how communities address gun violence by focusing on individual. VIPFW's success lies in who they hire: respected community members who once contributed to neighborhood problems and now dedicate themselves to solving them. These "neighborhood change agents" possess a unique blend of street credibility and professional commitment that allows them to reach people traditional authorities cannot. As one team member explains, "You literally have to be able to be around young people and know how to toe the line, be an example for them but still be so close that they don't lose that level of respect they have for you." Unlike programs that check in occasionally with at-risk individuals, VIPFW maintains daily—sometimes multiple daily—contact with participants enrolled in their peacemaker fellowships. This relentless engagement creates unprecedented support systems for young people navigating trauma and limited options. The program incorporates education on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and mental health awareness while providing opportunities to experience life beyond neighborhood boundaries. Fort Worth recorded zero gang-related shootings during the first six months of 2023, compared to 25 in the same period the previous year. By recognizing that those driving violence aren't broken beyond repair but overlooked and unresourced, VIPFW demonstrates that targeted, relationship-based interventions can break even the most entrenched cycles of violence. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

    15 min
  10. The Impact of Violence on Children and Families

    EPISODE 11

    The Impact of Violence on Children and Families

    Send us a text Violence has left deep scars across Pulaski County, touching children, parents, and entire neighborhoods. LaShanna Bruce and Deanna Walderns of the 100 Families Initiative sit down with Restore Hope's Paul Chapman to explain how the initiative helps families in crisis and offers real alternatives to a life of violence. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

    23 min
  11. Trailer: Introducing 'A Shot at Hope'

    SEASON 5 TRAILER

    Trailer: Introducing 'A Shot at Hope'

    Send us a text Around the nation, gun violence is destroying families and weakening communities. And it's becoming a leading cause of death among young people. How can we move beyond just talking about this tragedy to implementing solutions that actually work?  Join us for A Shot at Hope, a special series from Smart Justice. We're examining an evidence-based strategy that has already reduced gun violence in communities across the country.  So, how does it work? We know that in nearly every city, only a small number of people are driving most of the violence. An approach called Group Violence Intervention (GVI) identifies those individuals and engages with them directly, trying to offer them a way out before the violence occurs.  Throughout this series, we'll talk to people whose lives have been forever changed by violence and those hoping to bring the GVI strategy to their communities. And while this approach is a data-driven model focused on measuring outcomes, at its core, it's about human connection. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

    2 min
See All Season 5 (11)

Trailers

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out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Smart Justice covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system issues, including incarceration, foster care, and juvenile justice. The podcast is produced by Restore Hope.  Website: http://smartjustice.org  Support: https://smartjustice.supercast.com 

Information

  • Creator
    Restore Hope
  • Episodes
    40
  • Seasons
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Smart Justice
  • Show Website
    Smart Justice