In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast, host Joseph Arvidson welcomes Dianna Kalandros, Director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council in Coconino County, Arizona, for a conversation about collaboration, innovation, and what it means to humanize the justice system in practical ways.
Dianna discusses the role of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils, the importance of bringing stakeholders together, and how local systems can respond to long-standing challenges in probation, courts, corrections, and community justice through creativity and collaboration.
A central theme of the conversation is the shift from simply asking, "How do we respond when people fail?" to asking, "How do we create more opportunities for people to succeed?"
Joe and Dianna explore incentive-based approaches, removing barriers, supervision fees, justice system collaboration, and the importance of recognizing progress. Dianna also shares the impact of the Client of the Month project and how it helped humanize individuals involved in the justice system for local stakeholders.
The episode also touches on innovative efforts such as the Justice Bus, broader CJCC work in Coconino County, and examples of how communities can rethink access, accountability, and support.
This conversation is especially relevant for probation, parole, pretrial services, courts, corrections, reentry, behavioral health, and justice-system leaders interested in improving outcomes through collaboration, practical innovation, and a more human-centered approach.
Selected resources provided by Dianna are included below:
Tempe incentives program article from KJZZ
A look at how a Tempe-run program helps people charged with misdemeanors offset fees, connect with supports, and get back on track.
https://www.kjzz.org/kjzz-news/2024-10-30/tempe-run-program-helps-people-charged-with-misdemeanors-offset-fees-get-back-on-track
Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
More information about the CJCC in Coconino County, including Dianna's role and local CJCC work.
https://www.coconino.az.gov/943/Criminal-Justice-Coordinating-Council
National Network of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils — JMI Justice
Learn more about CJCCs, standards, essential elements, and national resources.
https://jmijustice.org/nncjcc/
CJCC Essential Elements — National Institute of Corrections
A resource outlining the ten essential elements of high-performing Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils.
https://nicic.gov/resources/nic-library/all-library-items/cjcc-essential-elements-companion-national-standards
Justice on the Road with Coconino County — JMI Justice
A feature on Coconino County's Justice Bus initiative and its effort to bring justice-related services directly to communities.
https://jmijustice.org/justice-on-the-road-with-coconino-county/
Coconino County Justice Bus information
Information on Justice Bus events and services, including court documents, name changes, marriage licenses, set-asides, marijuana expungement applications, fine/fee payments, and other access-to-justice supports.
https://www.coconino.az.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/3383
Justice Bus Award Announcement
Coconino County announcement on the Justice Bus winning the Arizona Supreme Court's 2025 Strategic Agenda Award for Expanding Access to Justice.
https://www.coconino.az.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/3307
