"Some choices should not be that difficult - We have the expertise, experience, judgment, and consistently deliver results."
"We have to reject the notion that you are either tough on crime or soft on crime. We need to be smart on crime."
- Kamala D. Harris
If you are launching a criminal justice initiative, designing a new program, funding a social justice entity or simply trying to solve a critical problem, choosing a consultant is one of the most critical decisions you will make. Whether you are seeking technical advice, short-term support or all-inclusive process management, engaging consulting services should be a carefully thought out decision. The reason is simple: criminal justice work is serious; the outcomes are critical and visible and resources always less than optimum. Because opportunities for “do-overs” are limited and expectations and investments run high, a great deal depends on selecting advisors who can guide you toward success.
We know each situation produces its own unique challenges, that is why we tailor our individualized and client-centered approach to the realities of your circumstances. We understand that you, the client, is best positioned to define your vision and goals. You know the environment in which you operate, and the challenges and barriers you face. . You know where you want to go and what you want to achieve. We know how to get you there.
Sharon Owsley
I had always dreamed about becoming a lawyer. From early childhood, books about courtroom dramas and television's "Law and Order" fueled that aspiration. Yet, it was only after a career as an organizational consultant that the dream became a reality.
I may have been the oldest student in my law school class, but in retrospect, this proved an advantage. Especially in my first job as an assistant district attorney in San Francisco. I had the benefit of perspective and had gained some wisdom along the way. It helped me grasp the complexity in the criminal justice system and the high human cost on both sides of the justice scale. Though I did prosecute felony cases, the most fulfilling assignments were collaborative (problem solving) courts - drug court, community court, and most illuminating of all, a reentry program for young adults.
As part of Attorney General Harris’ executive team, I served as the Deputy Director of Programs for the Division of Recidivism Reduction and Re-Entry. Among my responsibilities was the design and implementation of the Back on Track-Los Angeles (BOT-LA) reentry program. With a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development and past experience consulting to the private sector, I brought knowledge of large scale systems, organizational change and stakeholder insight to the BOT-LA program housed in the largest jail facility in America.
Success in this comprehensive program was predicated on the ability to form partnerships with high-level state agency directors, local law enforcement leaders, district attorneys, court administrators and business leaders statewide. The result is a program that continues to be a model in reentry, demonstrating a low recidivism rate, and the positive reintegration of former offenders into their communities.
My related justice activities include long-term service as a member of the Judicial Council of California Collaborative Courts Advisory Committee. This advisory body, which reports to the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, focuses on assisting courts statewide in the development of reentry programs. I also serve as co-chair of the Aspen Institute’s Justice and Society Program, which convenes justice leaders and influential citizens to discuss issues and recommend policy related to our legal, judicial, and political institutions.
Recently I joined my former colleague, Linda Denly, to continue the work we began under the leadership of Kamala Harris. Guided by the same principles, our consultancy focuses on the continued improvement in criminal justice reform. Among the services we offer include strategic guidance and technical assistance to federal, state and local government agencies and public and private entities seeking effective and improved outcomes in criminal justice.
Linda Denly
Growing up as one of three sisters, l learned early and often about the benefits of collaboration and cooperation. Whether it was borrowing a favorite dress for a high school dance or negotiating the use of the family car for the Friday night football game, in our family it was understood that working jointly meant a better outcome.
That approach continues to be an essential feature of my work. As a consultant, my job requires that I work with a variety of people. And, not surprisingly, what I hear most frequently from clients, stakeholders, decision-makers, subordinates and superiors, is that existing silos prevent shared information and shared solutions. In my experience, bringing different interests together for a common goal means we are on our way to reaching the client's objectives.
As Chief Information Officer and Bureau Chief for the California Department of Justice, and Director of Attorney General Kamala D. Harris’ executive team that is exactly the path we took. When developing start-up organizations, making data-driven decisions, managing a $153M budget and leading several high-profile department projects, the joint effort among internal and external partners invariably contributed to better outcomes.
This proved true when leading a small focused team in successfully developing and implementing one of former Attorney General Harris' signature programs - Back on Track - Los Angeles (BOT-LA). BOT-LA, an evidenced-based reentry program, is located in the Los Angeles County jail. By engaging state and local executives and community leaders and, leveraging funding and resources, our team designed a three-year comprehensive reentry model to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Today, BOT-LA maintains less than a 30% recidivism rate for a high-risk offender population.
Prior to launching a criminal justice partnership, I served as Chief Information Officer with oversight of nearly 1,500 staff and managing the nation's largest state criminal justice data bases and research center. I represented the State of California as a member of the Board of Directors for the Western Identification Network and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System Internet Incorporated and served as the Governor appointed state representative for the National Consortium for Justice Information Statistics.
Following over 25 years in criminal justice, I formed the Owsley & Denly Consulting Group providing strategic guidance and technical assistance to federal, state & local government agencies, and pubic and private entities on criminal justice reform.
