The NCJA Podcast National Criminal Justice Association

In episode 28 of the NCJA Podcast, learn about the creation of Safe Night. Safe Night works with police departments, local and state enforcement agencies, economic development partners, business improvement districts, private businesses, and community groups and leverages public/private partnerships to improve the safety and vibrancy of communities. Listen as Program Manager Jessica Grisler speaks to co-founders Dimitrios (Jim) and Molly Mastoras about how they utilized their unique areas of expertise to create the Proactive Alliance relationship-based approach training. This approach, which is adapted from evidence-based psychological counseling therapy, teaches individuals how to create and maintain strong relationships with all relevant parties to solve complex public safety issues.

In this episode, join NCJA Executive Director Chris Asplen as he talks with longtime friend and criminal justice leader Jane Wiseman about leadership in the criminal justice space through the lens of the NCJA Leadership Academy, a multi-month program for senior criminal justice leaders and State Administering Agencies (SAAs). Jane Wiseman is an Innovations in Government Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation and the leader of the Institute for Excellence in Government. This conversation touches on leadership gaps and needs in the criminal justice space, leading in difficult times, and reflections on Chris’ and Jane’s personal leadership journeys, including the leadership lessons they book took away from their time with former Attorney General Janet Reno and former National Institute of Justice Director Jeremy Travis.  

In episode 26 of the NCJA Podcast, listeners will learn about what capacity building really means and its crucial importance in larger discussions of equity within the criminal justice system. Join Program Manager Amanda Blasko as she talks with Delrice Adams, the executive director of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), about the Institute 2 Innovate, ICJIA’s capacity building project for community-based organizations. The conversation also includes discussions about the workings and development of the Institute 2 Innovate, and advice and takeaways for other agencies hoping to build a similar program. 

In this episode, Colorado Municipal Court Judge Brian Bowen joins Allison Badger, director of the NCJA Center for Justice Planning to discuss the creation of the Adams County Court for Veterans. Judge Bowen, who presided over the court for eight years, shares best practice models and resources, how to obtain necessary buy-in from various stakeholders and criminal justice system partners, and highlights key successes.  

 

Key Resources: 

“Adams County Court for Veterans: A Probation Alternative for Those Who Served,” Bowen and O'Hair, November 2019, Colorado Lawyer, Vol. 48, No. 10. 

All Rise (formerly the National Association of Drug Court Professionals) trainings. 

“Drug Court Ten Key Components to Adult Drug Court Best Practice Standards Crosswalk,” National Drug Court Resource Center.  

“The Surprising Connection Between Brain Injuries and Crime,” Dr. Kim Gorgens, Ph.D., University of Denver School of Professional Psychology, June 2018, Mile High TEDTalk  

  

This episode of the NCJA Podcast examines the ways in which restorative justice practices and models represent a paradigm shift in justice making. Listen as NCJA Program Manager Amanda Blasko speaks with Dr. Lindsey Pointer, an assistant professor at the Vermont Law and Graduate School and the principal investigator of the National Center on Restorative Justice. They discuss the benefits and importance of restorative justice practices, the key pillars and principles and how restorative justice models and practices fit in to larger discussion of equity within the criminal justice system.

This episode of The NCJA Podcast focuses on how to meaningfully engage with tribes, how to build trust, and other important components for consideration in working with tribal nations. As tribes are all diverse, and not monoliths, the main intention of the episode is not to generalize too broadly but rather to serve as a starting point for individuals who want to intentionally engage with tribes. Join Program Manager Amanda Blasko, Melody Delmar, special projects coordinator for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department and Interim Chair for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives task force and Reycita Billie, PSAP supervisor for the Navajo Police Department and temporary MMIP Liaison for this engaging conversation.