Category: Pracademically Speaking

Pracademically Speaking is a podcast intended to highlight research and innovations within the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC). Episodes include interviews with national experts and PA DOC staff members who are leading the way in cutting edge developments. A primary goal of the podcast is to bring together thought leaders (academics, practitioners, and policymakers) to stimulate further thinking about how to solve real world problems within the field of corrections.

Pracademically Speaking is produced by the PA DOC’s Bureau of Planning, Research & Statistics (PRS). The mission of PRS is to evaluate programs, policies, and practices, produce statistical reports, support data needs, clearly communicate research, and foster innovation, with excellence and objectivity, to advance agency goals through data-driven, scientifically informed decision-making. Their motto is “Pracademic Excellence!”

Episode 12: Year-End Review of Research

In this year-end episode, Dr. Bret Bucklen and producer Jeff Coleman sit down to review and discuss some of the research and evaluation accomplishments at the PA Department of Corrections during 2024.  They discuss results from studies on topics such as inmate visitation, Intensive Parole Supervision caseloads, reentry relocation, and the in-prison Violence Reduction Initiative.

Bret and Jeff also chat about what is ahead on the research and evaluation agenda in 2025, which is a preview for listeners of what they can expect to hear about in future episodes. 

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Episode 11: Prison Violence (Bill Nicklow)

In this episode we speak with Bill Nicklow, deputy superintendent for facility security and special operations at the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.  Bill talks with us about the practical side of efforts to reduce prison violence.  He also shares highlights of his long and interesting career in the department.  Bill provides context to the prison violence report by Dr. Nancy Rodriguez, which we spoke with her about on the last episode.

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Episode 10: Prison Violence (Dr. Nancy Rodriguez)

In this episode we speak with Dr. Nancy Rodriguez from the University of California-Irvine about a multi-state project that she and several of her colleagues have been conducting for the past five years to examine the causes and consequences of prison violence.  As this project is now coming to a close, Dr. Rodriguez shares with us some of the major findings from the project.  She also shares relevant practical implications for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

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Episode 9: A Tribute to Mark Kleiman (Part 2) – SCF Supervision

In this episode we continue to remember the life and legacy of Mark Kleiman.  We review perhaps his most important practical contribution to the field, what he called Swift, Certain, and Fair (SCF) Supervision.  The principles of SCF Supervision were laid out in in his 2009 book, “When Brute Force Fails.”  We discuss various ways that the PA Department of Corrections has implemented the principles of SCF Supervision.

Additional Resources on “When Brute Force Fails” and SCF Supervision:

  1. Order a copy of “When Brute Force Fails”
  2. PDF version of early copy of “When Brute Force Fails”
  3. PA DOC review of WBFF in “Research In Review”
  4. PEW review of HOPE
  5. “Fixing The Parole System” article
  6. SCF Resource Center link
  7. Mark Kleiman video: “Filling Up Prisons Without Fighting Crime”

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Episode 8: A Tribute to Mark Kleiman (Part 1)

Mark Kleiman was a special friend to the PA Department of Corrections, partnering with us on many initiatives over the years such as assisting in incorporating the principles of swift, certain, and fair (SCF) supervision into practice, in-prison violence reduction initiatives, and other evaluation and innovation efforts.  This special episode is a tribute to the life and legacy of Mark Kleiman.  We discuss his personal and professional connections with us, his many efforts to help us improve as an organization over the years, and his broader legacy to the field.

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