Advertise on podcast: Working for Justice

"Connect before you convince." When Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly stepped into his role as the department’s first external chief hire, he brought 33 years of Phoenix PD experience—and a bumper sticker that read, Don't Phoenix My Flagstaff. In this compelling episode of Working for Justice, hosts Pete Cummings and ACJC Executive Director Tony Vidale explore Chief Connolly’s unique blend of ancient Stoic philosophy and modern, data-driven policing. From establishing trust in a mid-sized community to confronting the raw realities of cold cases and missing and murdered indigenous people, Chief Connolly offers an honest look at what public safety should look like today. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this episode with someone passionate about community leadership and reform!

In our next episode of Working for Justice, we sit down with Megan Page, a public defender in Pima County who works every day at the intersection of justice, advocacy, and human impact. Megan shares what it’s really like to represent individuals navigating the system—shedding light on the challenges, the stakes, and the responsibility of ensuring every voice is heard. It’s a powerful conversation about fairness, perspective, and the role of defense in a balanced justice system.

🎙️ Inside Leadership, Accountability, and Public Service In this episode of the ACJC podcast, Ammon Barker joins us for an honest discussion about what it means to lead in the criminal justice system—especially during times of heightened scrutiny and change. Listeners will hear candid reflections on decision-making, public trust, and the responsibility that comes with serving Arizona communities. Whether you work in justice, policy, or public service, this conversation offers valuable perspective and real-world insight. 🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation.

Roxanne Pergeson serves as Victim Services Manager for Navajo County Attorney’s Office in Arizona, where she leads the Victims / Witness Services Division. She and her team of advocates and volunteers are committed to offering trauma-informed support to crime victims and survivors, ensuring they receive timely assistance and clear communication throughout the justice process. With a strong focus on collaboration and outreach, Pergeson’s work spans program development, liaison with law enforcement and allied agencies, and community education efforts aimed at enhancing victims’ rights and access to services. Her leadership underscores the importance of advocacy and responsiveness in the criminal justice system.

Episode Highlight: Sheriff David Rhodes — Leadership, Law Enforcement, and Public Safety in Arizona Today on Working for Justice, we’re joined by Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, an Arizona native and respected law enforcement leader. Elected in 2020, Sheriff Rhodes brings more than two decades of service and insight to the conversation. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he has been recognized statewide for his leadership, innovation, and dedication to community safety. In this episode, we talk about modern policing, public safety policy, and how Arizona’s sheriffs are working to strengthen trust, accountability, and collaboration across the state. Keywords: Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, Arizona law enforcement, Yavapai County Sheriff, David Rhodes, public safety, policing, criminal justice policy, community partnerships.

Guest Spotlight: Chris Olson — Leadership, Accountability, and the Future of Arizona Policing Chris Olson, Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police at the University of Arizona, was officially appointed in December 2023 after serving as interim chief since May 2023. With more than 30 years of law enforcement experience in Arizona, Chief Olson has built a respected career rooted in service, innovation, and leadership. He began his career in 1992 with the Pima College Police Department, later joining the University of Arizona Police Department as an officer, field training officer, police canine handler, and motorcycle officer. In 2001, Olson joined the Oro Valley Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from sergeant to lieutenant to commander, overseeing special operations, patrol, and field services. A lifelong learner, Chief Olson holds a Master of Education in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Park University. He is a graduate of both the FBI National Academy (Session 244) and the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command (Class 331). Beyond his law enforcement service, Chief Olson contributes to the profession as a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Roadway Safety Committee, an Executive Adjunct Board Member of the FBINAA Arizona Chapter, and an active member of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police. He also serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Arizona, teaching Police Accountability for the School of Government and Public Policy. Keywords: Arizona law enforcement, University of Arizona Police Department, Chris Olson, FBI National Academy, public safety leadership, police accountability, Oro Valley Police Department, ACJC podcast, Working for Justice.

Episode Spotlight: Leadership, Mentorship, and Modern Policing with Oro Valley Police Chief Kara Riley In this episode of the Working for Justice Podcast, hosts Pete Cummings and Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Deputy Director Tony Vidale sit down with Oro Valley Police Chief Kara Riley. Chief Riley shares her journey through Arizona law enforcement, reflecting on the academic background, career milestones, and leadership lessons that have shaped her success as a police chief in Arizona. Listeners gain insight into modern policing, community engagement, and the importance of mentorship in building effective law enforcement leadership. Keywords: Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, Oro Valley Police Department, Kara Riley, Tony Vidale, Pete Cummings, Arizona law enforcement, police leadership, public safety, Working for Justice podcast.

Episode Spotlight: Tony Vidale — Leading Arizona’s Criminal Justice System with Integrity and Vision In this episode of the Working for Justice Podcast, host Pete Cummings talks with Anthony (Tony) Vidale, Executive Director of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC). Vidale shares his professional journey and the experiences that shaped his leadership in Arizona’s public safety and criminal justice community. With more than two decades in public service, Tony Vidale has been a driving force in criminal justice policy, finance, and strategic leadership across Arizona. As Executive Director of ACJC, he oversees multimillion-dollar funding initiatives, collaborates with law enforcement and victim service partners, and leads statewide policy development aimed at creating a safer and more equitable Arizona. Vidale previously served as Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer at ACJC, managing the agency’s budget, grants, and compliance operations. His career also includes roles as a Program Manager developing drug enforcement and victim compensation programs and as a budget analyst with the Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC), where he influenced major funding decisions impacting public safety. A U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard veteran, Vidale brings discipline, accountability, and teamwork to every facet of leadership. Beyond government service, he has been an adjunct faculty member at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Phoenix, teaching public administration, finance, and criminal justice since 2006. “I believe in building a justice system that truly serves the people it’s meant to protect—one that is accountable, compassionate, and effective,” says Vidale. “Every dollar we allocate, every policy we shape, and every partnership we form should move us closer to a safer, more just Arizona.”Keywords: Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, Tony Vidale, Arizona criminal justice leadership, ACJC podcast, law enforcement policy, public safety funding, Arizona public service, criminal justice reform, government finance, Working for Justice Podcast.

Episode Spotlight: Data, Innovation, and the Future of Criminal Justice Analytics in Arizona In this episode of the Working for Justice Podcast, host Tony Vidale talks with Matt Bileski, Program Manager for Data Integration, Analytics, and Optimization at the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC). Matt shares his journey through data-driven public safety, reflecting on the academic background and professional experiences that led him to his new leadership role at ACJC. He offers insight into the power of analytics in criminal justice policy, the challenges of data sharing and integration, and his vision for how Arizona can lead the nation in transparent, evidence-based justice systems. Keywords: Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, Matt Bileski, Tony Vidale, Arizona law enforcement data, criminal justice analytics, public safety innovation, data integration, evidence-based policy, ACJC podcast, Working for Justice.

Host Tony Vidale talks with Heather Bohnet, the Victim Services Program Manager for the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Heather discusses her role as the Victim Services Program Manager and offers her past academic and work experiences that helped shape her career. Heather also gives insight into her management of the victim services program and the challenges she faces in her role.

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission’s podcast Working for Justice includes talks with people working and making a difference in the criminal justice system. We hope to have great conversations with agency heads, people brand new in the field of criminal justice, and anyone in between. We will talk with people filling roles that are obvious in the criminal justice system such as police officers, prosecutors, public defenders, judges, and corrections officers. We will also include people working in less obvious roles but critically important such as program managers, researchers, and advocates.

Host Tony Vidale talks with Andy LeFevre, the Executive Director of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Andy discusses his role as the Executive Director and offers his past work experiences that helped shape his career. Andy also gives insight into his leadership of the agency and what qualities he appreciates in his leadership team and staff members.