IJIS Sounds of Safety Podcast

Hosted by IJIS Institute

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Sep 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the IJIS Sounds of Safety Podcast Series, where our community will be delving into a series of critical issues supporting the public sector mission space. Everything from the ethical use of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and its impacts in these communities to collaborative projects that deserve recognition for their success, the Sounds of Safety Podcast is your comprehensive resource for these topics and stories moving forward. The IJIS Institute is a nonprofit collaboration network that focuses on bringing together public and private sector officials to solve challenges in the justice and public safety world. We are a trusted, member-driven organization with twenty plus years of experience that bridges the gap of knowledge between public sector mission practitioners and private sector experts joining shared goals with trusted resources. IJIS works to promote and enable technology in the public sector and expand the use of information sharing to maximize safety, efficiency, and productivity.

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36 recent

October 28, 202636 min

Leading Through Complexity: The Vision Behind the IJIS Leadership Academy

In this episode, we feature the inaugural podcast developed through the IJIS Institute Leadership Academy, a unique initiative designed to support organizations operating at the intersection of the public and private sectors. Focused on strategy, organizational structure, and leadership development, the Academy helps leaders navigate complexity, align teams and culture, and drive meaningful, measurable outcomes. Joining the conversation are Maria Cardiellos, Executive Director of the IJIS Institute, and Brian Riggs, Initiative Manager of the IJIS Academy and CEO of Riggs Enterprise Corporation. Together, they share the vision behind the Academy, discuss the evolving role of leadership in today’s rapidly changing environment, and explore why effective leadership remains essential to organizational success and community impact. From technological transformation and workforce shifts to the lasting effects of the pandemic, today’s leaders face challenges unlike any before. As organizations adapt to an increasingly complex landscape, the need for strong, adaptable, and purpose-driven leadership has never been greater. Tune in as Maria and Brian discuss how the Leadership Academy is helping cultivate the next generation of leaders, why leadership matters at every level of an organization, and how investing in leadership can strengthen teams, improve outcomes, and create lasting impact.

September 30, 202632 min

Corrections in the Digital Age: Building for Long-Term OMS Success

In this episode, we continue the conversation on OMS modernization with the tenth installment of our Corrections in the Digital Age series. Returning to the podcast are IJIS Corrections Advisory Committee experts Rick Davis, Lynn Ayala, Jerry Brinegar, and Chrysta Murray. Together, the panel dives into how strong collaboration between the program team and change advisory board can support a successful implementation, funding approaches that enable continuous improvement, and the importance of working closely with solution providers to keep systems modern long after implementation. Whether your agency is preparing for an OMS modernization effort or already navigating one, this episode offers plenty to consider. Join the conversation and hear what these experts have learned about setting programs up for success today and into the future.

September 23, 20261 hr 2 min

Anatomy of an AI Contract: How Do You Contract for Trust?

In this episode, we continue the IJIS Institute Courts Advisory Committee series on artificial intelligence in America’s courts — turning to one of the most immediate challenges facing judicial leaders: how to responsibly contract for AI. As federal regulation is preempted and state approaches face ongoing challenges, courts are left navigating a fast-moving vendor landscape with limited guidance. Contracts are quickly becoming the front line for ensuring accountability, transparency, and trust. Moderator Casey Kennedy brings together a procurement standards leader, and a trust architecture expert to examine this question from every angle. Listen in as they break down the anatomy of an AI contract — and what it really takes for courts to contract for trust.

August 31, 202624 min

Corrections in the Digital Age: Life After OMS Go-Live

In this episode, we continue our OMS modernization series with a deep dive into the go-live process and explore what it takes to sustain a modernized system long after implementation. Joining us once again are expert members of the IJIS Corrections Advisory Committee: Rick Davis, Lynn Ayala, Jerry Brinegar, and Chrysta Murray. Today we're following the system's life after launch — starting with the planning and funding decisions that set the stage, moving into what it takes to keep the OMS modern over time, and finishing with one of the toughest challenges agencies face: staff turnover and training.

July 23, 202632 min

Corrections in the Digital Age: Big Bang vs. Phased OMS Implementation

In this episode, we return to the topic of OMS modernization, examining how agencies are balancing complex system environments while managing ongoing OMS software releases and updates. We’re joined once again by our esteemed panel of experts from the IJIS Corrections Advisory Committee: Rick Davis, Lynn Ayala, Jerry Brinegar, and Chrysta Murray. Together, they explore key considerations for modernizing an OMS, including the advantages and challenges of big bang versus phased implementations, cloud-hosted versus on-premises deployments, and the critical role vendors play in delivering software updates and ongoing support without disrupting day-to-day operations. Tune in as this experienced panel shares first-hand insights that can help agencies navigate their own modernization journeys with greater confidence and success.

July 14, 202646 min

Garden Wall Approach for Safe, Secure, and Innovative AI Usage

In this episode, we’ll dive into the Garden Wall Approach—an idea centered on creating clear boundaries that protect what matters, while still enabling experimentation and innovation with AI. Listen in as Larry Zorio and Jeramy Cooper-Leavitt, members of the IJIS Cybersecurity Working Group, discuss their thoughts on safe, secure, and innovative AI usage.

July 9, 202654 min

The AI Moment in Courts: Why This, Why Now

In this episode, we launch a new series from the IJIS Institute Courts Advisory Committee exploring the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence in the courts—and the complex questions it presents for judicial leaders. Courts are being asked to make high‑stakes decisions amid vendor pressure, legislative interest, and growing expectations around access to justice—often without a clear framework. Joining us are Kevin Bowling, Sevak Avakians, Judge Maritza Dominguez Braswell, and Judge Bowon Kwon, who bring court leadership, technical, and global perspectives to the conversation. Together, they examine what has changed in this latest wave of AI, what’s at stake for courts as institutions built on public trust, and what responsible adoption should look like. Listen in as this seasoned panel unpacks how courts can navigate this moment with clarity and purpose.

May 28, 202629 min

Corrections in the Digital Age: Cloud, Data Cleansing, and the Next Generation of OMS

In this episode, we revisit OMS modernization in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape—where agencies are navigating cloud adoption, data strategy, and long-term scalability. Joining us again is our expert, recurring panel from the IJIS Corrections Advisory Committee: Rick Davis, Lynn Ayala, Jerry Brinegar, and Chrysta Murray. Together, they discuss SaaS licensing, product and data ownership, and the key steps to execute a modern OMS data migration successfully. Tune in as this seasoned panel shares implementation anecdotes, practical insights, and real-world lessons you won’t want to miss.

May 21, 202636 min

Responsible AI in Justice: Connecticut’s Approach

In this episode, we dive into what it truly means to use AI responsibly in the justice and public safety space. Joining us today are returning guest Paul Wormeli, Chair of the IJIS Technology and Architecture Committee, and first‑time guest James McGennis, Executive Director of the State of Connecticut’s CJIS Governing Board. Together, Paul and James explore how Connecticut is thoughtfully implementing AI technologies—focusing on governance, accountability, and data privacy. They share real‑world use cases, practical lessons learned, and how public institutions can embrace innovation without compromising public trust. Listen in to learn how Connecticut is setting a responsible path forward for AI in justice and public safety. Resources: State of Connecticut AI responsible Use Policy - responsible AI framework february 1, 2024 State of Connecticut AI Inventory (Executive Branch) Open Data Portal - Executive Branch Artificial Intelligence System Inventory | Connecticut Data

April 16, 202634 min

Corrections in the Digital Age: When OMS Implementation Gets Complicated

In this episode, we are back talking about OMS modernization in today’s digital age. Joining us once again is our expert, recurring panel from the IJIS Corrections Advisory Committee: Rick Davis, Lynn Ayala, Jerry Brinegar, and Chrysta Murray. Together, they unpack common real‑world implementation hurdles, tackling topics such as scope creep, data migration, and the build‑versus‑buy debate that agencies continually face. Listen in as this experienced panel discusses examples and stories from past and present OMS implementations.