Cynthia Herriott on Addiction and Criminal Conduct in Law Enforcement

Justice Speaks Podcast #75

In the 75th episode of the Justice Speaks podcast, David Wallace, Co-President of the Justice Speakers Institute and a seasoned prosecutor in Michigan, USA, welcomes Cynthia Herriott, the newly appointed Vice President of Law Enforcement for JSI. With an impressive background in policing and policy reform, including serving as Chief of Police in Rochester, New York, Herriott brings a wealth of experience, integrity, and vision to the Justice Speakers Institute.

About Cynthia Herriott

David opens the episode by reflecting on Cynthia’s career and welcoming her to her new role at JSI. Cynthia shares insights from her law enforcement journey and her passion for improving systems through ethical leadership and public accountability. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her tenure as a police chief, where she prioritized community trust and implemented reforms such as changes in the use-of-force policy for juveniles.

Throughout the conversation, Cynthia and David dive into the critical and complex intersection of addiction and criminal conduct. Cynthia highlights a harsh but often overlooked reality: individuals struggling with addiction are significantly more likely—by at least 50%—to engage in criminal behavior. She emphasizes that merely arresting people is an ineffective and unsustainable approach, and that law enforcement alone cannot solve what is fundamentally a public health issue.

David reinforces this point of the intersection of addiction and criminal conduct with examples from his own prosecutorial work, noting the high rates of substance use in domestic violence cases. Both agree that long-term change depends on alternative pathways such as treatment courts and community-based programs for high-risk, high-need individuals.

The discussion then turns toward Treatment Courts and the critical role that judges play in their success. Cynthia recounts a powerful anecdote about a judge who temporarily jailed a participant for lying—an action that underlined the importance of honesty and accountability in the treatment process. They both shares the joy and satisfaction they’ve experienced watching people graduate from Treatment Court programs.

Meaningful Change

Another key theme in this episode is the evolving role of law enforcement in responding to public needs. Cynthia stresses the importance of emotional intelligence and understanding community perceptions, particularly in sensitive situations like officer-involved shootings. She notes that statistical data may tell one story, but community members’ emotional responses demand acknowledgment and transparency from their leaders.

David and Cynthia agree that meaningful change requires both leadership and systemic policy shifts. Cynthia offers practical advice for other agencies: focus on influencing the majority through education and example, rather than trying to convert the most resistant voices. She shares that during her leadership in Rochester, it was critical to not only listen but also to act—through updated policies and inclusive engagement.

Transparency and Communication Can Bring Lasting Change

They also discuss the stigma surrounding dependency and the barriers to widespread understanding. Cynthia sees an opportunity to shift societal perceptions by training law enforcement and local governments in trauma-informed and health-focused approaches. This, she believes, is a critical step toward enacting reforms that truly reduce recidivism and improve community safety.

David and Cynthia close the conversation with a look ahead. Cynthia is excited to use her platform at JSI to broaden outreach, share best practices, and continue advocating for evidence-based approaches to criminal justice. Transparency and honest communication, she says, are essential to creating lasting change. 

This episode stands out as a thoughtful and forward-thinking conversation between two leaders deeply committed to justice reform. Whether you work in law enforcement, policy, or community health, Cynthia Herriott’s insights on addiction, accountability, and leadership are timely and inspiring.

Additional Resource

You can watch this interview by going to the Justice Speakers Institutes’ YouTube Channel or by clicking here.