What alternatives to arrests and citations can reduce harm and strengthen safety?

In this episode, Mike, Carol, and Kristin challenge the overreliance on arrests and citations as default responses to complex social and health issues. They explore how the criminal justice system’s one-size-fits-all model perpetuates cycles of harm for both offenders and victims. They also highlight the need for upstream solutions, deeper community partnerships, and practical alternatives that prioritize safety and belonging.

Topics that Chief Mike Butler, Dr. Carol Engel-Enright, and Kristin Daley explore in this episode:

(0:19) Overrelying on the Criminal Justice System

* How arrests and citations have become default tools for addressing social and health issues.

* Why some elected officials perpetuate the idea that laws and penalties can “fix” complex problems, despite high recidivism rates.

(8:29) Building Trust and Compassion

* Mutual trust, compassion, and resource development are foundations for healthier police-community relationships.

(15:57) Disentangling Police From the Criminal Justice “Hip”

* Challenging police departments to develop alternatives beyond arrests, urging connection with the “heart of the community.”

(22:30) Lack of Options and Systemic Bottlenecks

* Calls for emotional intelligence and active listening training to help officers discern better responses.

* How the lack of practical alternatives leaves officers with few options, feeding into an overwhelmed justice system.

(33:25) Community Partnerships

* The need for community collaboration and victim inclusion in justice processes.

* How restorative justice prioritizes healing for victims while reducing offender recidivism.

This episode of Beyond the Bandaids is brought to you by Project PACT (Police And Community Together). Learn more about Project PACT by visiting https://projectpact.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_pact_org/

Newsletter: https://projectpact.org/our-courses/

Contact Us: https://projectpact.org/contact-us/

Connect with the co-hosts of Beyond the Bandaids:

Chief Mike Butler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-butler-6b0b2587/

Dr. Carol Engel-Enright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-engel-enright-97701a10/

Kristin Daley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-daley-23bb7b26b/

The following three organizations—each committed to enhancing community well-being and policing integrity—joined forces to create Project PACT.

Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP): https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/

New Blue: https://newblue.org/

The School of Statesmanship, Stewardship & Service (SOSSAS):