Conversations on Criminal Justice

Conversations on Criminal Justice, a non-partisan community conversation on issues affecting the State of Arizona is exploring how homelessness, mental health and substance abuse are handled in the criminal justice system.

Ryan Thornell, Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) will deliver the keynote address. Panel discussions include:

Mental Health & Criminalization: Elected officials, academics, and lawmakers will discuss how people suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness are criminalized.
Ben Toma (R) - Speaker of the House, Kristie Ortega - Attorney at Hallman Law, Representative Brian Fernandez (D) - AZ State Senator, Ray Young – Terros Health

Law Enforcement & Policing: Law enforcement professionals and elected officials will discuss how our law enforcement agencies police these vulnerable populations.
Representative Quang Nguyen (R) - Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Paul Penzone - Maricopa County Sheriff, Officer Michael Collins – President, Chandler Law Enforcement Association (CLEA)

Prison Systems: Academics, advocates, and elected officials will discuss how Arizona prisons house, treat and prepare people with these overlaying issues for release into society.
Senator Steve Kaiser (R) - Chair of Finance Committee, Chris Martin - Criminal Justice Reform Advocate, Consuelo Hernandez (D) - AZ House of Representatives, Kevin Wright – ASU School of Criminology & Criminal Justice

Breakfast and light snacks provided.