Working for Justice: Recent Episodes
Arizona Criminal Justice Commission
In our next episode of Working for Justice, we sit down with Megan Page, a public defender in Pima County who works every day at the intersection of justice, advocacy, and human impact. Megan shares what it’s really like to represent individuals navigating the system—shedding light on the challenges, the stakes, and the responsibility of ensuring every voice is heard. It’s a powerful conversation about fairness, perspective, and the role of defense in a balanced justice system.
🎙️ Inside Leadership, Accountability, and Public Service
In this episode of the ACJC podcast, Ammon Barker joins us for an honest discussion about what it means to lead in the criminal justice system—especially during times of heightened scrutiny and change.
Listeners will hear candid reflections on decision-making, public trust, and the responsibility that comes with serving Arizona communities. Whether you work in justice, policy, or public service, this conversation offers valuable perspective and real-world insight.
🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation.
Roxanne Pergeson serves as Victim Services Manager for Navajo County Attorney’s Office in Arizona, where she leads the Victims / Witness Services Division. She and her team of advocates and volunteers are committed to offering trauma-informed support to crime victims and survivors, ensuring they receive timely assistance and clear communication throughout the justice process.
With a strong focus on collaboration and outreach, Pergeson’s work spans program development, liaison with law enforcement and allied agencies, and community education efforts aimed at enhancing victims’ rights and access to services. Her leadership underscores the importance of advocacy and responsiveness in the criminal justice system.
Episode Highlight: Sheriff David Rhodes — Leadership, Law Enforcement, and Public Safety in Arizona
Today on Working for Justice, we’re joined by Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, an Arizona native and respected law enforcement leader. Elected in 2020, Sheriff Rhodes brings more than two decades of service and insight to the conversation. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he has been recognized statewide for his leadership, innovation, and dedication to community safety.
In this episode, we talk about modern policing, public safety policy, and how Arizona’s sheriffs are working to strengthen trust, accountability, and collaboration across the state.
Keywords: Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, Arizona law enforcement, Yavapai County Sheriff, David Rhodes, public safety, policing, criminal justice policy, community partnerships.
Guest Spotlight: Chris Olson — Leadership, Accountability, and the Future of Arizona Policing
Chris Olson, Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police at the University of Arizona, was officially appointed in December 2023 after serving as interim chief since May 2023. With more than 30 years of law enforcement experience in Arizona, Chief Olson has built a respected career rooted in service, innovation, and leadership.
He began his career in 1992 with the Pima College Police Department, later joining the University of Arizona Police Department as an officer, field training officer, police canine handler, and motorcycle officer. In 2001, Olson joined the Oro Valley Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from sergeant to lieutenant to commander, overseeing special operations, patrol, and field services.
A lifelong learner, Chief Olson holds a Master of Education in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Park University. He is a graduate of both the FBI National Academy (Session 244) and the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command (Class 331).
Beyond his law enforcement service, Chief Olson contributes to the profession as a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Roadway Safety Committee, an Executive Adjunct Board Member of the FBINAA Arizona Chapter, and an active member of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police. He also serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Arizona, teaching Police Accountability for the School of Government and Public Policy.
Keywords: Arizona law enforcement, University of Arizona Police Department, Chris Olson, FBI National Academy, public safety leadership, police accountability, Oro Valley Police Department, ACJC podcast, Working for Justice.
Hosts Pete Cummings and ACJC Deputy Director Tony Vidale. Tony interviews Oro Valley Police Chief, Kara Riley. They discuss her career and offer insights into past academic and work experiences that helped shape her work as a police chief in Arizona.
Host Pete Cummings talks with ACJC Deputy Director Tony Vidale. Tony discusses his career and offers insights into past academic and work experiences that helped shape his work at the Commission.
Host Tony Vidale talks with Matt Bileski, the Data Integration, Analytics, and Optimization Program Manager for the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Matt discusses his new role and offers insights into past academic and work experiences that helped shape his career. Matt also shares his vision for future criminal justice data sharing and dissemination.
Host Tony Vidale talks with Heather Bohnet, the Victim Services Program Manager for the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Heather discusses her role as the Victim Services Program Manager and offers her past academic and work experiences that helped shape her career. Heather also gives insight into her management of the victim services program and the challenges she faces in her role.
The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission’s podcast Working for Justice includes talks with people working and making a difference in the criminal justice system. We hope to have great conversations with agency heads, people brand new in the field of criminal justice, and anyone in between. We will talk with people filling roles that are obvious in the criminal justice system such as police officers, prosecutors, public defenders, judges, and corrections officers. We will also include people working in less obvious roles but critically important such as program managers, researchers, and advocates.
Host Tony Vidale talks with Andy LeFevre, the Executive Director of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Andy discusses his role as the Executive Director and offers his past work experiences that helped shape his career. Andy also gives insight into his leadership of the agency and what qualities he appreciates in his leadership team and staff members.