This special episode of Justice Today features former directors of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) offer their perspectives on how BJA has worked alongside law enforcement, community organizations, and policymakers to drive innovation in the criminal justice system across the country.
This special episode of Justice Today marks a major milestone in the world of justice and public safety—the 40th Anniversary of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). This episode is part one of the podcast series celebrating BJA’s anniversary, and in it, several former BJA directors reflect on the agency’s evolution, the challenges it has faced, and its crucial role in responding to national crises. These past directors offer a unique perspective on how BJA has worked alongside law enforcement, community organizations, and policymakers to drive innovation in the criminal justice system across the country. Participants include Nancy E. Gist, former BJA Director; Richard R. Nedelkoff, former BJA Director; Domingo S. Herraiz, former BJA Director; Denise E. O’Donnell, former BJA Director; and Jon Adler, former BJA Director. As one of the nation’s leading agencies for advancing justice reform and supporting public safety initiatives, BJA has played a pivotal role in shaping the criminal justice landscape over the past four decades.