Sheriff Chris Swanson runs Michigan’s 5th-largest sheriff’s office and, since 2020, he’s been flipping the playbook on incarceration with I.G.N.I.T.E.– “Inmate Growth Naturally & Intentionally Through Education.” The program delivers daily math, reading, and job-skills classes inside the Genesee County Jail and now in dozens of other facilities nationwide. Independent research from Harvard, Brown and the University of Michigan links I.G.N.I.T.E. to sharper literacy, fewer disciplinary incidents and double-digit drops in recidivism.

Tune in as we discuss how I.G.N.I.T.E. readies inmates for life beyond bars, the impact of police-community collaboration, and showcase what effective-law enforcement leadership looks like.

Criminal Justice Evolution
Episode 728
June 12, 2025

A special thanks to YOU. The criminal justice / first responder professional. Thank you for what you do every day for our communities. Remember you are honored, cherished, and loved. Keep up the good work and please be safe.

I struggled. I was in a dark place for a long time. I was in pain, and I masked it with alcohol. I was contemplating hurting myself. I finally decided to reach out and ask for help, and I am grateful I did. FHE Health and The Shatterproof Program saved my life. If you are struggling, you don’t have to stay there. We can and will help you.

Visit the site or call 303.960.9819.