Through 12 years in public service, Florida Senator Jeff Brandes (R-24, Pinellas) forged a reputation as the state’s leading advocate for criminal justice reform. Known as a maverick, Brandes was chairman of the powerful senate Judiciary Committee, with oversight over the Florida Department of Corrections. Brandes has visited dozens of prisons throughout the state, working on every important criminal justice issue facing the legislature during his tenure. In this episode, Senator Brandes describes the perilous state of Florida’s prison system, explaining why the political climate in Tallahassee makes reforming the system difficult.

Follow Jeff Brandes on Twitter @JeffreyBrandes.