Blog

Trans people are more than twenty times more likely than the average U.S. citizen to be incarcerated in their lifetime I spent part of this month celebrating Pride alongside thousands of other Greater Cincinnatians. At the Pride Parade in particular, the joy of celebrating inclusivity, acceptance, and love was palpable. I wish so badly that […]

How Assigning or Assuming Blame Impacts Sex Trafficking Survivors By: Verjine Adanalian As an attorney who advocates exclusively for sex trafficking survivors, I often get asked: what’s the hardest part of the job? My answer usually surprises people—it’s dealing with the concept of blame. Who or what is to blame for what happened to my […]

Maybe you volunteered with the Issue 1 campaign. Maybe you collected signatures or canvassed your neighborhood or proudly displayed a yard sign. Maybe you voted “yes.” We’re incredibly thankful for all of it. And it wasn’t for nothing. Ohio is energized about criminal justice reform at this moment. We’re talking about sentencing reform, drug policy, […]

We at the Ohio Justice & Policy Center are saddened by the results of tonight’s election with regards to Issue 1. Our team worked tirelessly on this proposed amendment from the first draft to election night. OJPC supported Issue 1 because we saw a problem with our criminal justice system. Our criminal justice system is […]

2018 summer intern Erin Phillips describes how a parable “The Starfish Story” taught her the importance of fighting for sustainable system change.

OJPC summer intern Felicia White discusses empathy and the false idea that “walking in someone’s shoes” is a surefire way to empathy.

As we at OJPC work in prisons and with incarcerated people, we’re constantly confronted with the shortcomings of our country’s mental healthcare systems.

Thirty years with the Cincinnati Police Department followed by twenty as an insurance fraud investigator gives me a unique view of life, humanity and our system of justice. I’ve seen a thing or two — for fifty years, I met people at their worst, often a result of their unlawful behavior.

As in years past, April is nationally recognized as Second Chance Month. A White House press release said the monthlong observance will encourage Americans to “provide opportunities for people with criminal records to earn an honest second chance,” as “affording those who have been held accountable for their crimes an opportunity to become contributing members […]

“While I consider OJPC’s role in this discourse, I gain inspiration as I look at my daughter on our first Mother’s Day.”