March 2025 Newsletter

In the first quarter of 2025, LEL has remained focused on promoting fact-based solutions to enhance the fairness and effectiveness of our justice system while ensuring safer communities in a complex political landscape. 

As always, we value your input as we navigate this challenging time for reform. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any suggestions for events, advocacy priorities, potential partners, or emerging issues we should be considering. 

ADVOCACY

This quarter, LEL has continued to advocate for evidence-based reforms that enhance public safety, support successful reentry, and improve access to treatment. 

In March, we released A Federal Agenda to Reduce Crime and Unnecessary Incarceration, outlining four key reforms that the current Congress should prioritize. Each has bipartisan support and will help advance fairness and accountability, improve law enforcement efficiency, build trust in government, and ensure the safety and well-being of communities.

1. Improving clearance rates for violent crimes: The Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act will increase resources to local law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices to improve clearance rates for homicides and firearms-related violent crimes.
2. Expanding healthcare access in jail and prison: The Due Process Continuity of Care Act and the Reentry Act will increase access to Medicaid for some incarcerated people such as those in pretrial detention or about to leave prison.
3. Ensuring incarcerated people are prepared for successful reentry: The bipartisan BOP Release Card ID Act will help to ensure people exiting federal prison have access to critical documents.
4. Funding prison oversight to ensure accountability: The Federal Prison Oversight Act creates an ombudsman office and increases Inspector General oversight capabilities over the federal Bureau of Prisons. While signed into law in 2024, it requires new appropriations for full implementation.

While LEL will continue to support the wide range of legislation we have in the past, we are highlighting these particular reforms because they have strong bipartisan support and we think LEL’s voice can have meaningful impact.

In line with our federal agenda, LEL endorsed the reintroduction of the Due Process Continuity of Care Act in February. This bipartisan legislation amends the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy to allow incarcerated individuals to sustain their Medicaid coverage prior to a conviction, honoring the individual’s presumption of innocence and providing continued access to federal health benefits in local jails.

FEATURED CONVERSATIONS

In January, Senior Counsel Ruby Nidiry spoke with Here & Now’s Peter O’Dowd on WBUR about the positive impacts of the First Step Act on sentencing reform and prison conditions, and the bipartisan coalition that supported it. She highlighted how reentry support and rehabilitative programming have led to successful outcomes, including a reduction in recidivism. Listen in here!

In March, LEL Chair Ron Serpas spoke with Law360 about the role of consent decrees in strengthening public trust and improving police practices. While noting the value of federal oversight, he emphasized the importance of locally driven reform efforts. 

EVENTS

Criminal Justice Reform Policy Innovation Fellowship Presentation (February 27, 2025)

LEL Senior Counsel Ruby Nidiry presented, along with the R Street Institute, at the inaugural meeting of the Criminal Justice Reform Policy Innovation Fellowship, on “The Roots of Mass Incarceration – How we got here, where we are, and what can be done.” The group discussed the growing bipartisan consensus that the country has an over-incarceration problem, and the important role of research and law enforcement voices to combat it. The series is organized by the Future Caucus which works directly with leading young policymakers from across the political spectrum to bridge the partisan divide and lead a new era of collaborative governance. 

Criminal Justice Innovations in a Polarized Climate Panel at William & Mary Law School (April 8, 2025)

On April 8th, LEL will be co-hosting a panel with William & Mary Law School’s Center for Criminal Justice Policy and Reform, focused on advancing bipartisan criminal justice policy, building cross-party collaborations, and restoring trust in institutions that are failing communities. A special thank you to LEL member Kami Chavis, former Assistant US Attorney for the District of Columbia and Director of the Center, for co-sponsoring this event.

We look forward to an engaging discussion about the challenges and possibilities for driving progress in reform. 

WELCOME TO LEL’S NEWEST MEMBERS!

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to three new LEL members!

Director Colby Braun
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, State of North Dakota
Colby Braun was appointed Director of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation by Governor Kelly Armstrong. Braun has served as the director of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since January 2024 and as the agency’s director of facility operation since August 2018. He previously served for nearly five years as warden of the North Dakota State Penitentiary, four years as the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation warden of transitional facilities and six years as warden of the Dakota Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center. As the warden, Braun focused on prisoner re-entry, restrictive housing reform, and incorporating more humane principles in the North Dakota prison system. He was awarded the Charles Colson Advocate of Hope Award by Prison Fellowship in 2024, which recognizes individuals who have faithfully and courageously worked to restore those affected by incarceration.

Police Chief Brian Redd
Salt Lake City, Utah 
Chief Brian Redd was sworn in as the 47th Chief of Police for the Salt Lake City Police Department on March 5, 2025. With over two decades of experience in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety leadership, Chief Redd has served in key roles in both public and private sectors. Before leading the Salt Lake City Police Department, he was the Executive Director of the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) where he oversaw and directed two state prisons, six community correctional centers, and five Adult Probation and Patrol Districts, managing a workforce of approximately 2,900 employees. Under his leadership, UDC supervised approximately 23,000 individuals, with a mission to protect communities and improve lives. Chief Redd also previously held leadership positions with the Utah Department of Public Safety during his 21-year career with them. His career reflects a commitment to public safety, community engagement, and innovative policing strategies aimed at building trust and improving public safety outcomes.

Director Heidi Washington 
Department of Corrections, State of Michigan 
Governor Rick Snyder appointed Heidi E. Washington as the director of the Michigan Department of Corrections in 2015.  She was then reappointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2019. As director, she is responsible for overseeing the administration of Michigan’s correctional system, which includes the state’s prisons, probation and parole supervision, the Parole Board, and other administrative functions, in addition to managing a $1.9 billion budget. Director Washington has served in several leadership positions during her career with the Department of Corrections. She was recently appointed the next Correctional Leaders Association Vice President and previously served as a warden of the Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center and the Duane L. Waters Health Center. She also held positions as warden of Robert Scott Correctional Facility and administrative assistant to the department’s executive bureau and director, where she provided oversight for the Legislative Affairs Office and represented the MDOC before the Legislature. She has additionally served as acting assistant deputy director, overseeing the 19 prison facilities in the southern region of the state, and acting operations administrator for the Correctional Facilities Administration.

AN ADDITIONAL WELCOME TO TWO NEW ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS!

In February, LEL welcomed two members to our Advisory Board: Jerry Clayton and Tori Verber-Salazar. Their extensive expertise in law enforcement leadership and criminal justice reform will bring valuable insight to the board, strengthening LEL’s efforts to promote effective community-focused policies. 

Former Sheriff Jerry 
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Jerry L. Clayton retired as the Sheriff of Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor, Michigan, in December of 2024 as the longest-serving Sheriff in county history after serving four terms (16 years).  His professional career with the office spanned a total of thirty-six years and includes operational and executive experience in police service, corrections, and special weapons and tactics. Jerry has been a certified criminal justice trainer and instructor for over thirty years, specializing in numerous areas, including the Use of Force/Subject Control, Cultural Diversity, Bias-Free Policing, Organizational culture, and Leadership. Jerry is currently the CEO of The Cardinal Group II, an Ann Arbor, Michigan company, offering professional leadership development-succession planning consulting, training curricula development focused on a wide range of topics, including leadership at all levels, leading organizational change, emergency communications-OJT, and behavioral health emergency partners.

Former District Attorney Tori Verber-Salazar
San Joaquin County, California
Tori Verber-Salazar served as the first woman to be elected District Attorney in San Joaquin County. Her innovative approach to criminal justice reform and exemplary leadership led to a 20% reduction in violent crime, 30% reduction in recidivism, and a 52% increase in team diversity. During her tenure, DA Verber-Salazar added over 150 team members to ensure public safety and build alternatives to incarceration. She led the successful implementation of several programs, including the first restorative justice program and live-in reentry program for people released from incarceration to access services, gain employment opportunities, and reunite with their families. She spearheaded the implementation of Propositions 64 and 47, which provided 50,000 community members with clean records and over 2 million Californians with record clearance. Lastly, she expanded victim resources through the creation of the Family Justice Center, providing services to over 1,500 survivors every month and quadrupling victim witness services. 

NEWS FROM AROUND THE NETWORK

In their own jurisdictions, LEL members continue to advocate for and lead the implementation of a wide array of innovative criminal justice strategies to enhance public safety and foster stronger community relationships. Here are some highlights:

Strengthening Public Safety & Community Well-Being 

• Interim Albany (NY) Police Chief Brendan Cox announced a 12% decline in overall crime, including a 1.8% decline in violent crime, and also discussed challenges the department is facing such as a staffing shortage. 
• Dallas County (TX) District Attorney John Creuzot launched a new Human Trafficking Unit, bringing together a specialized prosecutor, investigator, and victim advocate to ensure a comprehensive approach to combating trafficking and supporting survivors.
• Middlesex County (MA) Sheriff Peter Koutoujian spoke with the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University about the intersection of public health and safety in addressing homelessness, highlighting data-driven programs that emphasize continuity of care, access to essential services, and evidence-based solutions.

Enhancing Law Enforcement Practices 

• Former Memphis (TN) Police Director Toney Armstrong has joined a new task force of legal experts, law enforcement, and community advocates to evaluate and recommend improvements to the department’s policies, with a focus on use of force, accountability, and strengthening public safety. 
• Cook County (IL) Sheriff Thomas Dart has created a practical, low-cost co-responder strategy to help police handle mental health calls. The initiative leverages technology to provide real-time access to clinicians, enabling officers to better de-escalate situations, cover a wide geographic area, and ensure ongoing case management for those in need of mental health services. 
• The San Francisco (CA) Police Commission approved updates to officer protocols for the department, led by Chief William Scott. The new policies are designed to encourage officers to limit unnecessary confrontations during mental health and substance use calls and promote diversion strategies and non-police responses where appropriate. 

Law Enforcement Leadership & Priorities 

• New Seattle (WA) Police Chief Shon Barnes outlined his top priorities for his first 100 days, including boosting officer recruitment and retention, promoting a holistic approach to crime prevention, increasing community engagement, enhancing officer wellness, and streamlining departmental efficiency. 
• St. Paul (MN) Police Chief Axel Henry is prioritizing gun violence reduction, community engagement, and officer recruitment in 2025. He is working with other departments to address racial profiling through community-based crime prevention and trust-building.
• Forsyth County (NC) Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough reflected on his leadership to date, highlighting a commitment to strategically allocating resources to prioritize public safety, enhancing training to improve policing practices, strengthening community ties, and successfully filling officer vacancies. 
• New Denver (CO) District Attorney John Walsh identified community safety as his top priority. He has also emphasized improving police accountability, addressing violent crime, and responding to the drug crisis with both prosecution of dealers and manufacturers and treatment for those suffering from addiction.

SOME RECOMMENDED RESOURCES…

Trends in Mental Health and Criminal Justice State Policy, NAMI (March 2025) — Highlights key policy recommendations and 2024 legislative examples to support individuals with mental health conditions in the criminal justice system, focusing on diversion, reentry, juvenile justice, law enforcement training, and other critical areas.

Crime Trends in U.S. Cities: Year-End 2024 Update, Council on Criminal Justice (January 2025) — Analyzes crime trends through December 2024, tracking 13 violent, property, and drug offenses across 40 cities with six years of consistent monthly reporting.

State Level Criminal Justice Reform: Bipartisan Policies with Support and Momentum, Justice Action Network (January 2025) — Reviews bipartisan criminal justice reforms gaining traction in state legislatures and explores factors driving their political viability. 

The State of Recruitment & Retention: A Continuing Crisis for Policing, International Association of Police Chiefs (January 2025) — Presents findings from a 2024 survey of 1,158 agencies on challenges and strategies to improve officer recruitment, hiring, and retention. 

What Happened When America Emptied its Youth Prisons, James Forman, Jr., New York Times (January 2025) — Reviews the remarkable success of a 20-year reduction in juvenile incarceration which has led to reduced recidivism and positive outcomes for youth. 

Clean Slate, Fresh Start: How a Minnesota Law Taking Effect Jan. 1 Unlocks Second Chances, John Choi and Lauren Krisai, Minnesota Star Tribune (December 2024) — LEL Advisory Board Member and Ramsey County Attorney (MN)  John Choi, co-authored this op-ed that previews how Minnesota’s recently enacted Clean Slate Act will have potential positive impacts on individuals, businesses, and the state’s economy.  

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