They break down what happens over the seven-week, nine-session DGSO Citizens Academy — from reentry simulations and jail tours to dispatch, firearms and traffic-stop scenarios — and how experiential learning changes perceptions of law enforcement.

Glendening discusses her 16-year career in criminal defense, including her roles in Shawnee and Douglas counties. She explains the differences between public defenders and retained attorneys and prosecutors, the challenges of managing caseloads and the importance of addressing clients' non-legal needs. Glendening also highlights the misconceptions about public defenders and the adversarial nature of the legal system. 

She emphasizes the rewarding aspects of her job, such as helping clients with mental health and substance abuse issues. The conversation underscores the collaborative efforts in Douglas County to support reentry and community well-being.

The program helps people in custody transition back into society, addressing barriers like housing, mental health and substance abuse. Neis, director or reentry, and Osborn, a reentry case manager, emphasize the importance of meeting inmates where they are and providing tailored support. 

They highlight the success of the medication-assisted treatment program, which has seen significant reductions in recidivism. The program also collaborates with local agencies to provide comprehensive services, including housing and job assistance. They also underscore the need for more staff and housing resources.

Judge McCabria discusses his role, including caseload distribution and administrative functions, and explains other aspects of the courts in Kansas. Judge McCabria shares his background, including his education at Ohio State University and Tulsa University, and his career path from defense attorney to prosecutor and judge. He explains the selection process for district court judges and the importance of public respect for the judiciary. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the justice system, including workload management and the impact of failures to appear in court.

Appleby as liaison works to create transparency and understanding within the agency. This includes training new hires on respectful interactions with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for transgender individuals. He helps staff understand the importance of using correct names and pronouns, explaining legal processes and being transparent about procedures.

DGSO is part of the LGBTQ+ Metro Law Enforcement Network, which allows the agency to be present at community events and show support. 

Morgan shares her journey from social work to dispatching, driven by her desire to support first responders and victims of trauma. She emphasizes the importance of peer support and community outreach, particularly for domestic violence survivors. 

Morgan highlights the challenges of building trust and the impact of her work, including attending court with victims and organizing community events. They also discuss the prevalence of trauma among first responders and the need for mental health support. Morgan provides her contact information for those seeking assistance.

NOTE: This episode includes discussion of suicide and suicide attempts. If this topic is difficult for you, please take care while listening. Feel free to pause or skip this episode—do whatever you need.

If you’ve lived through something similar, our hearts are with you. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. 

They highlight the evolution of training methods, emphasizing the need for foundational skills and continuous education. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has an eight-week corrections academy followed by eight weeks of on-the-job training for new corrections officers, which is the most extensive of its kind in the state. They also address the challenges of training young officers and the importance of mental health support, and the advantages of starting your law enforcement career in corrections. 

The conversation also touches on the agency's competitive pay package and recruitment strategies.

Fitzgerald, who came to Douglas County in 2022, discusses how her background in clinical and community psychology shaped her work with juveniles and adults in the criminal justice system. 

She also talks about the work of coordinating efforts across law enforcement, courts and treatment providers, as well as the CJCC's recent achievements in improving competency restoration programs, probation assessments and CJCC governance. Looking ahead, Fitzgerald highlights the importance of system-wide data collection and strategic communication to drive future progress. 

Douglas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Douglas County Sheriff's Office

With 26 years of service, Simmons shares her journey from deputy to undersheriff, offering an inside look at the challenges and successes of law enforcement leadership. From policies and staff training to tackling systemic biases and strengthening community ties, this candid conversation dives into the several  key issues.

They also discuss the Sheriff's Office’s efforts to foster trust, including participation in the Pride Parade and the DGSO Citizen's Academy. Armbrister also addressed his hopes for the future of the podcast, including hearing from members of several community partners the Sheriff's Office works with closely.

Whether you're curious about law enforcement, passionate about community engagement, or just want to hear what happens behind the badge, this episode takes you behind the scenes.

NOTE: The DGSO Citizen's Academy 2025 applications closed before we released this episode, but we kept the information and story about the academy. Take a look in early 2026 for applications for next year's DGSO Citizen's Academy.