In this episode of the 360 Justice Podcast, host Brian Lee speaks with Special Projects Coordinator Ashley Burke, who served as lead project manager for Jackson County, MO's new 470,000-square-foot, 1,000-bed detention center. She highlights the behind-the-scenes collaboration among corrections, the sheriff, courts, prosecutor, maintenance, and county leadership, and how “justice with dignity” shaped decisions like calming colors, murals, natural light, courtyards, acoustics, and staff spaces. Burke explains why the county replaced its 1984 jail after years of studies citing overcrowding, deferred maintenance, and outdated design, and how COVID-era inflation drove the budget from $256 million to about $330 million and reduced the plan from 1,200 to 1,000 beds.  Listeners will hear real-world lessons on codes, road work, concrete-floor fixes, and transition planning amid staffing shortages, plus Burke’s candid advice to plan bigger and think beyond “it’s just a jail”—a must-listen for leaders planning their next facility.

In this episode of the 360 Justice Podcast, hosts Tony Turpin and Ken McGinnis sit down with Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington to explore how modern corrections is evolving and what it takes to lead large, complex systems. Washington shares how her experience working with policymakers shaped a practical, relationship-driven approach to solving real operational challenges, from staffing and training to funding and long-term planning. Listeners will hear how Michigan DOC emphasizes culture change, invests in people, and expands opportunities that make incarceration more productive and reentry more successful. The discussion also highlights innovative education and skilled-trades initiatives - including the highly successful Vocational Village - emerging trends affecting incarcerated populations, and how a mission-focused corrections career can have a meaningful impact on public safety and lives.

 In this insightful episode of the 360 Justice Podcast, host Brian Lee engages in a compelling conversation with Jerry Clayton, former Sheriff of Washtenaw County with 36 years of experience in corrections and police services. They delve into the intricacies of Strategic Inmate Management (SIM), a methodology that has revolutionized justice facility operations. Clayton shares his journey from recognizing inefficiencies as a correctional officer to implementing SIM and transforming correctional facilities. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the implementation, challenges, and sustainability of SIM, as well as the critical role of leadership and organizational culture in achieving long-term success. This episode is a must-listen for professionals dedicated to evolving corrections and public safety practices. 

In this gripping episode of the 360 Justice Podcast, host Brian Lee has an enlightening conversation with Colonel James Martin, a 22-year veteran of the Marion County Sheriff's Office and a pivotal figure in its modernization. Promoted to Colonel in 2018, Martin has overseen transformative projects, notably the $575 million Community Justice Campus. Listeners will hear about Martin's hands-on experience in implementing cutting-edge technology, digitizing processes, and streamlining operations across the sheriff's department. From significantly reducing inmate suicide rates to establishing a near-paperless system that expedites inmate processing, Colonel Martin shares invaluable insights and lessons learned. With a focus on adapting to change and overcoming resistance, this episode is a must-listen for justice professionals and corrections agency employees aiming to drive innovation and efficiency in their own organizations.

In this episode of the 360 Justice Podcast, host Brian Lee welcomes Diana Knapp, Director of the Jackson County Detention Center, to explore her impactful three-decade career in criminal justice and her leadership in transforming detention practices. Diana shares her experience spearheading the development of a new, state-of-the-art detention facility in Kansas City and leading a significant shift toward direct supervision, all while managing the challenges of operating an aging jail. A dedicated advocate for professional growth, Diana discusses her role as a Certified Jail Manager and Certified Corrections Executive, as well as her candidacy for Third Vice President of the American Jail Association (AJA). Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about innovation in corrections, and don’t forget to support Diana by voting in the AJA election here.

In this compelling episode of the 360 Justice Podcast, host Dr. Mary Livers is joined by Sheriff Daron Hall, the visionary leader of Davidson County, Tennessee, and a driving force in criminal justice reform. As the youngest person elected sheriff in Nashville’s history and now its longest-serving, Sheriff Hall shares his remarkable journey spanning over 35 years in law enforcement. He discusses his pioneering work in decriminalizing mental illness through the creation of the first-of-its-kind Behavioral Care Center, his philosophy of "arresting the problem, not the person," and the innovative programs within his facilities aimed at reducing recidivism. With accolades like the E.R. Cass Award and leadership roles as president of the National Sheriffs’ Association and the American Correctional Association, Sheriff Hall provides unparalleled insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the justice system. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and actionable advice for justice leaders looking to drive meaningful change.

Join host Eli Gage in a special celebratory episode of the 360 Justice Podcast as he sits down with justice pioneers Steve Carter, Bob Goble, and Joe Lee to reflect on CGL's transformative 50-year journey. Dive into an intriguing conversation about the evolution of criminal justice—from embracing the normalization of facilities to integrating cutting-edge technology and addressing staffing challenges. Hear firsthand accounts of groundbreaking projects and learn about how CGL's innovative strategies continue to shape justice systems worldwide. This episode is packed with insightful discussions and memorable stories that will both inform and inspire.

 In this insightful episode of the 360 Justice Podcast, host Gary Mohr sits down with Dr. Laurel Harry, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, to explore the evolution and impact of unit management within the state's correctional system. With over 25 years of experience in the DOC, Dr. Harry brings a wealth of knowledge, having started her career as a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist and steadily rising through the ranks to her current role. Together, they discuss the origins of unit management, how Dr. Harry’s hands-on experience as a Unit Manager shaped her leadership journey, and the best practices that have emerged in Pennsylvania as a result. They also dive into her approach to succession planning and how unit management has strengthened team dynamics across the department. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of corrections management in Pennsylvania.

Join us for a thought-provoking episode of the 360 Justice Podcast, where host Gary Mohr sits down with Dr. James Austin, a leading expert in correctional planning and research. Over the course of his 45-year career, Dr. Austin has profoundly influenced criminal justice operations, from his early days at Joliet and Statesville prisons in Illinois to founding the JFA Institute, which focuses on providing data-driven research and solutions to enhance the effectiveness and fairness of criminal justice systems.

In this episode, Dr. Austin delves into the importance of data-driven results in the justice system, shedding light on critical topics such as the evolution of classification systems, trends in crime and arrests, and the future of population management. Discover how his pioneering work has shaped the field and gain valuable insights into creating safer, more effective justice facilities. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost authorities in criminology as he answers pressing questions and offers solutions for the justice community.

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Justice podcast, hosted by Joe McKenna. Today, we are joined by Roger Lichtman, Justice Lead, Americas at AECOM. In this episode, Joe and Roger dive deep into Roger's extensive experience in the criminal justice industry. With over 40 years as an architect in this field, Roger shares his insights on the evolution of justice environments and how the industry has changed over time. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of the justice system and answers the question on everyone's mind: is the system really working? Stay tuned to hear what Roger has to say about this complex and important topic.