police body-worn cameras accountability

Body-Worn Cameras: Accountability Tool or Accountability Illusion?

Police body-worn cameras were introduced as a major step toward transparency and accountability. After more than a decade of widespread adoption, the results are more complex. Research shows cameras can provide valuable evidence and documentation, but technology alone cannot create accountability without strong leadership, supervision, and organizational culture.
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Public Defense on the Edge of the Map: A Conversation with Howard Phillips

This episode of Justice Speaks examines public defense in the U.S. Virgin Islands with Deputy Chief Public Defender Howard Phillips. Drawing on decades of courtroom experience, Phillips discusses the territory’s court structure, systemic challenges, speedy-trial concerns, and the realities of defending indigent clients in one of the nation’s most unique jurisdictions.
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Advancing Community Supervision

Advancing Community Supervision: A Conversation with Cobi Tittle

This episode explores advancing community supervision with Cobi Tittle, Director of Tarrant County CSCD and President of NAPE. She discusses leadership, data-driven decision-making, the evolving role of probation officers, technology’s promise, and the need to refocus probation on rehabilitation as a vital public-safety strategy. Sponsored by Reconnect.
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Opioid Intervention Court

Opioid Intervention Courts: A Proven Path to Recovery

Opioid Intervention Courts offer a life-saving alternative to traditional justice responses by focusing on rapid treatment, overdose prevention, and recovery support. Backed by recent research, this evidence-based model prioritizes health over punishment and helps courts address opioid use disorder more effectively and compassionately.
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Judicial Leadership

Judicial Leadership in Problem-Solving Courts: The Key to Success Worldwide

Problem-solving courts offer a transformative approach to justice, focusing on rehabilitation instead of punishment. Research from the U.S. and U.K. shows that strong judicial leadership is essential to these courts’ success, fostering trust, improving outcomes, and breaking cycles of addiction and crime through procedural fairness and participant engagement.
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Probation Officer Leadership

Transforming Probation Officer Leadership: Chief Daniel Hernandez’s Vision

This episode of Justice Speaks highlights the leadership journey of Chief Daniel Hernandez of the Orange County Probation Department. From juvenile hall to Chief Officer, he shares insights on probation innovation, early intervention, and the qualities of effective probation officers in today’s justice system.
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Therapeutic justice

Therapeutic Justice: Enhancing the Judge’s Role

Therapeutic justice redefines the judge’s role from neutral arbiter to active facilitator of change. This approach promotes individualized justice, community collaboration, and systemic reform through problem-solving courts. By embracing these principles, judges help transform lives while strengthening public confidence in the court system.
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MOUD in the justice system

Overcoming Barriers to MOUD in the Justice System

Court-involved individuals with opioid use disorder face serious barriers to accessing lifesaving medications. This blog examines the research behind these challenges—such as stigma, provider bias, cost, and restrictive policies—and outlines actionable reforms to improve access to MOUD in court and probation settings.
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West Virginia Treatment Courts

Exploring West Virginia’s Treatment Courts with Kaylee Dickenson

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Kaylee Dickenson, West Virginia’s State Drug Court Coordinator, shares insights on treatment court effectiveness, innovative funding models, and overcoming rural challenges. Learn how her leadership helps reduce recidivism, support participants, and shape the future of Drug and Family Treatment Courts in the state.
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Reforming Justice with Judge Karen Friedman: A Human-Centered Approach

Judge Karen Friedman discusses her human-centered approach to criminal justice reform, her work with the BJA, and her commitment to rehabilitation, support, and systemic change.
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