The Tech Company Getting People out of Jail, Off Probation, and Much More! w/Serena Chang

Jan 12

Across the country, outdated and ill maintained data systems keep thousands stuck on probation and in jail long after they should have been freed from government supervision. Today, Hunter spoke with Serena Chang, a Product Manager at the non-profit company Recidiviz, to showcase their solutions to this problem.

As discussed in the episode with Jason Tashea, the legal system is slow to incorporate new technology. Yet for States and organizations around the country, it’s becoming obvious they can no longer operate a legal system based on individuals enter data by hand or relying on the memory of a few overworked officials. This is where Recidiviz enters the conversation. Tune in to hear how Serena and the company craft individualized, yet scalable solutions that aim at reducing the power and reach of the American prison industrial complex!

Guest:

Serena Chang, Product Manager, Recidiviz

Key Topics:

Serena’s journey to Recidiviz [5:00]

The Problems facing the legal system [6:35]

How to craft solutions and how they worked in Idaho [14:25]

How states get introduced into Recidiviz’ work [23:04]

How Recidiviz works on policy [25:10]

Ensuring increasing efficiency does not simply increase the efficiency of incarceration [28:37]

Preventing the states from using data collected to implement more pro carceral policy [31:27]

Ensuring equal access to tools [34:05]

Plans for expansion [36:10]