View from 100

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.