Prison populations are exploding. Overcrowded prisons lead to concerns about safety and human rights, not to mention the tremendous financial burden. Alongside this, we see an increase in drug-related incarcerations, especially those fueled by the opioid epidemic, which raises the perpetual discussion of the values of incarceration versus treatment. And of course, there is the age-old question about rehabilitation, post-prison life, and reintegration into society.

We are splitting this important topic into two separate forums. On May 22, we explored criminal sentence reform from the legal perspective. On June 5, the view will be from the community angle.

Our panel will feature Denise Robinson (President CEO of Alvis Inc.), Carter Stewart (Managing Director of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation), Jodi Thomas (Franklin County Municipal Judge), and host Karen Kasler (Bureau Chief of Statehouse News).

Recorded on June 5, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.