The Redemption Project: Civic Conversations

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. I am a retired detective and criminal justice / government educator based in Tennessee. I am a commentary write for Tennessee Lookout and a weekly columnist with Knox TN Today . My work examines public policy, public safety systems and civic responsibility. My reporting and commentary have also appeared...

by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Sheriff campaigns often center on broad safety language. But the stronger voter questions usually involve staffing, jail operations, narcotics pressure, and how decisions function once campaigning ends. I am a retired detective and criminal justice / government educator based in Tennessee. I am a commentary write for Tennessee Lookout and a weekly colum...

by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Addiction pressure is not limited to large cities. But access to treatment often is. In many smaller communities, the same need exists with fewer immediate options — which means geography quietly shapes recovery outcomes more than many people realize. I am a retired detective and criminal justice / government educator based in Tennessee. I am a commenta...

Jesse Crosson was arrested just after his 18th birthday and sentenced to 32 years in prison for a robbery and non-fatal shooting. For nearly two decades, prison was the only adult life he knew. When Jesse was granted a conditional pardon in 2021 , he was released with just an hour and a half’s notice —no reentry plan, no housing secured, no roadmap waiting for him. What he did have was preparation...

Human trafficking often hides in plain sight. In this narrated journalism episode of The Redemption Project , Brandon Burley examines a new Tennessee law that requires licensed tattoo artists to complete human trafficking awareness training—and why that policy matters. Drawing from reporting, survivor advocacy, and law enforcement experience, this episode explores how traffickers have historically...

Hey! Welcome to season 4. Season 4 is all about narrated journalism. These short form episodes should all be around the 2 minute mark. I would love to hear your thought on each one! Get full access to The Redemption Project Newsroom at newsroom.theredemptionproject.news/subscribe