Episode 08 - Access & Understanding

In this episode of View from 100, Sheriff Jay Armbrister talks with Detective Troy Miller and Megan Poindexter, Department Manager of the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County, about scams targeting older adults and why anyone can be vulnerable. They discuss common schemes involving AI-generated voices, spoofed phone numbers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, phishing links and remote access to computers, as well as how scammers use urgency and emotion to pressure people into acting.Miller and Poindexter talk with the Sheriff and share practical ways to protect yourself: slow down, be skeptical and verify requests using contact information you already trust - instead of relying on a number or link supplied in a suspicious message. They also encourage using a trusted person as a second set of eyes, contacting your bank or local law enforcement if something feels wrong and speaking up without shame if you’ve been targeted.

Sheriff Jay Armbrister sat down with Douglas County Administrator Sarah Plinsky to talk about the inner workings of local government in Douglas County.Sarah shares her journey from Lawrence kid to county administrator, explains why Douglas County is the “middle child” of Kansas counties and breaks down how property taxes and the county budget actually function. They talk candidly about leading through tornadoes, historic flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the growing complexity of public service in the age of social media and the constant balancing act between rural character, economic growth and community expectations.

In this episode of the View from 100 podcast, Sheriff Jay Armbrister and recently retired Capt. Jason Grems sit down with former Douglas County Sheriff Loren Anderson, who hired both of them in the late 1990s, to trace the evolution of the Sheriff’s Office and Loren’s remarkable career. Anderson reflects on growing up near Clinton, joining the office in 1965 under Sheriff Rex Johnson, working his way from deputy to undersheriff and eventually serving 12 years as sheriff. He oversaw major changes such as the move from a nine-person operation to a modern agency with full 24/7 coverage, the construction of new jail facilities, the adoption of direct supervision, radio system upgrades and the creation of the juvenile detention center. Throughout the conversation, Jay and Jason share personal stories about Loren’s influence on their careers and the agency’s culture, particularly his emphasis on fairness, community-based decision-making and adapting to shifting challenges like mental health and drug issues. Their discussion helps frame Anderson as a foundational figure in what the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is today.

Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister sits down with Dr. Kirsten Watkins, CEO of the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, and Emily Farley, Chief Advancement Officer, to explore how a community of Lawrence’s size has built one of the most comprehensive behavioral health systems in Kansas. They outline the Bert Nash Center’s role as a safety-net provider for all ages and all levels of need, describe its network of facilities and explain the vision for the forthcoming Youth Recovery Center, which is a “urgent care for the mind” where youth can receive crisis stabilization and ongoing outpatient care under one roof. The conversation highlights how Douglas County residents have repeatedly “put their money where their mouth is,” from approving sales tax for crisis services to driving a 73% increase in private donations, ensuring that local youth and families don’t have to travel hours away for psychiatric care.The episode also dives into the deep collaboration between the Bert Nash Center and the criminal justice system, including embedded clinicians in the Douglas County Jail, participation in specialty courts and the high-utilization Mobile Response Team that often responds to mental health crises instead of or alongside law enforcement. Armbrister recounts how local partners, including Bert Nash, devised an in-county solution to long state waits for competency evaluations and restoration, reducing decompensation in jail and freeing scarce state hospital beds. Throughout, Watkins and Farley emphasize that early intervention is lasting prevention, that the severity and complexity of mental health needs are rising and that Bert Nash’s core message to Douglas County remains simple and urgent: you are not alone, we are here for you, and if we’re not the right place, we’ll help you find the one that is.

Sheriff Jay Armbrister sits down with community outreach coordinator Morgan Haney and recent Citizens Academy graduates Hannah Bolton (founder, Cardinal Housing Network) and defense attorney Matthew Fredrick to explore how the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office opens its doors to the public. They break down what happens over the seven-week, nine-session DGSO Citizens Academy — from reentry simulations and jail tours to dispatch, firearms and traffic-stop scenarios — and how experiential learning changes perceptions of law enforcement.

Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister interviews Jessica Glendening, chief public defender in Douglas County, in a conversation about different aspects of the legal system. Glendening discusses her 16-year career in criminal defense, including her roles in Shawnee and Douglas counties. She explains the differences between public defenders and retained attorneys and prosecutors, the challenges of managing caseloads and the importance of addressing clients' non-legal needs. Glendening also highlights the misconceptions about public defenders and the adversarial nature of the legal system. She emphasizes the rewarding aspects of her job, such as helping clients with mental health and substance abuse issues. The conversation underscores the collaborative efforts in Douglas County to support reentry and community well-being.

Sheriff Jay Armbrister hosts the "View from 100" podcast episode 06, featuring Carrie Neis and Shelby Osborn of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Reentry team. The program helps people in custody transition back into society, addressing barriers like housing, mental health and substance abuse. Neis, director or reentry, and Osborn, a reentry case manager, emphasize the importance of meeting inmates where they are and providing tailored support. They highlight the success of the medication-assisted treatment program, which has seen significant reductions in recidivism. The program also collaborates with local agencies to provide comprehensive services, including housing and job assistance. They also underscore the need for more staff and housing resources.

Sheriff Jay Armbrister hosts a discussion featuring Judge James McCabria, chief district court judge of the Seventh Judicial District of Kansas, which is Douglas County. Judge McCabria discusses his role, including caseload distribution and administrative functions, and explains other aspects of the courts in Kansas. Judge McCabria shares his background, including his education at Ohio State University and Tulsa University, and his career path from defense attorney to prosecutor and judge. He explains the selection process for district court judges and the importance of public respect for the judiciary. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the justice system, including workload management and the impact of failures to appear in court.

In this special bonus episode of the View from 100 podcast, Sheriff Armbrister and Master Corrections Officer Kyle Appleby discuss the agency's efforts to be inclusive, including Kyle's role as the LGBTQ+ liaison.Appleby as liaison works to create transparency and understanding within the agency. This includes training new hires on respectful interactions with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for transgender individuals. He helps staff understand the importance of using correct names and pronouns, explaining legal processes and being transparent about procedures.DGSO is part of the LGBTQ+ Metro Law Enforcement Network, which allows the agency to be present at community events and show support. 

Sheriff Armbrister and Morgan Haney discuss her role as an advocacy and outreach specialist at the sheriff's office. Morgan shares her journey from social work to dispatching, driven by her desire to support first responders and victims of trauma. She emphasizes the importance of peer support and community outreach, particularly for domestic violence survivors. Morgan highlights the challenges of building trust and the impact of her work, including attending court with victims and organizing community events. They also discuss the prevalence of trauma among first responders and the need for mental health support. Morgan provides her contact information for those seeking assistance.NOTE: This episode includes discussion of suicide and suicide attempts. If this topic is difficult for you, please take care while listening. Feel free to pause or skip this episode—do whatever you need.If you’ve lived through something similar, our hearts are with you. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.