The Right On Crime Podcast

What separates a prosecutor who thinks outside the box from one who simply refuses to enforce the law? In this episode of the Right On Crime Podcast, Deputy Director Nikki Pressley sits down with Kurt Altman, our Arizona and New Mexico State Director and a former state and federal prosecutor, to discuss the power prosecutors hold in the criminal justice system. Kurt draws on his years in the courtroom to cover York County’s co-responder program, Maricopa County’s felony diversion program, and why “no plea deals” would grind the courts to a halt. They also explore how states and voters can hold district attorneys accountable while protecting the discretion that keeps communities safe.

What happens when someone leaves prison without a clear path to employment, stability, or opportunity? In this episode of the Right On Crime Podcast, Mississippi Director Bradley Lum and Florida Director Christian Cochran bring their firsthand experience in corrections and law enforcement to a conversation about the challenges facing our criminal justice system. From rising corrections costs and repeat offenses to work release programs and occupational licensing barriers, they explore how states can strengthen public safety while better preparing individuals for life after incarceration.

What does effective criminal justice policy look like at the state level? On this episode of The ROC Podcast, Right On Crime State Directors Danny Murphy and Joey Comley sit down at the Texas Policy Summit to recap their legislative sessions in 2026, discuss policy victories and challenges, and look ahead to what's next.From earned compliance credits and Kentucky's Family Preservation and Accountability Act to sentencing policy and alternatives to incarceration, Danny and Joey explore how their states are working to strengthen public safety, promote accountability, and improve outcomes through practical policy solutions.

Not everyone awaiting trial poses the same risk, so how can risk assessments improve pretrial decisions? Right On Crime Directors Marilyn Davidson and Dwight Hudson discuss how risk-based assessments can help inform pretrial release decisions, protect public safety, and ensure limited jail space is reserved for individuals who pose the greatest threat to their communities. 

Public safety is strengthened when the criminal justice system supports accountability, successful reentry, and practical solutions that reduce recidivism. In this episode of The ROC Podcast, Britt Allen sits down with Mississippi State Director Bradley Lum to discuss his path from the administrative side of corrections to criminal justice policy. They explore how his experience in corrections and the trucking industry shaped his perspective on reentry, second chance hiring, and opportunities to make the criminal justice system more effective for individuals and communities.

Public safety is strengthened when people leaving prison have a clear path to employment, stability, and successful reentry. In this episode of The ROC Podcast, Right On Crime Louisiana State Director Dwight Hudson sat down with Mary Beth Derrickson, Director of Government Relations for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) during the 2025 Legislative session to explore how Louisiana can better connect former offenders with employment opportunities. They also discuss why addressing barriers like identification, housing, workforce preparation, and access to reentry programming can help reduce recidivism, strengthen the state’s workforce, and build safer communities.

Public safety is impacted by holding young people accountable for crimes they commit, while recognizing that juvenile justice requires a different approach than the adult system. In this episode of The ROC Podcast, Right On Crime Idaho State Director Molly Lenty sits down with Kentucky and Tennessee State Director Joey Comley to explore how juvenile justice can account for a young person’s development and capacity for change while still holding them responsible for their actions—and why effective solutions must balance accountability, rehabilitation, family and community support, and public safety.

Public safety doesn’t have to choose between accountability and a second chance. In this episode of The ROC Podcast, Right On Crime’s Carley Widner sits down with justice advocate Angelina Tamez to discuss how her personal experiences with the criminal justice system shaped her approach to finding solutions. Angelina shares why being tough on crime means being thoughtful about what works, the role education and rehabilitation can play in reducing recidivism, and why understanding “what happened to you?” can be just as important as asking “what did you do?” The conversation explores juvenile justice, reentry, addiction, barriers facing people after incarceration, and the importance of effective policing and accountability.

Public safety depends on preparing people for success both during and after incarceration. In this episode of The ROC Podcast, Right On Crime Idaho State Director Molly Lenty sits down with Director Bree Derrick from the Idaho Department of Corrections to discuss incarceration, rehabilitation, and reentry in Idaho. Drawing on her experience in corrections, Derrick explains the challenges facing Idaho’s prison population, the importance of addressing substance abuse and other underlying factors, and how education and rehabilitative programming can help reduce recidivism. The conversation explores what successful reentry really looks like, the role communities and employers play in supporting people after release, and why evidence-based programs and strong correctional staff are essential to creating safer communities.

Public safety depends on creating pathways for accountability, rehabilitation, and successful reentry. In this episode of The ROC Podcast, Virginia and West Virginia Director Danny Murphy sits down with Britt Allen to discuss Virginia's Community Corrections Alternative Program (CCAP). Drawing on his experience as a criminal litigator, Danny explains how CCAP works, who is eligible for the program, and why it has produced strong outcomes for participants. The conversation explores how treatment, education, job training, and employment partnerships can help address the root causes of criminal behavior while preparing individuals for success after release. Britt and Danny also discuss recidivism, judicial discretion, and what policymakers can learn from programs that prioritize both accountability and public safety.