Episode 6: Data and the Prosecutor with Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner

In this conversation, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner discusses his journey to office, the innovative use of data in criminal justice, and the importance of community engagement. He emphasizes the need for transparency, the role of prevention and forensics in reducing crime, and the challenges posed by political narratives around crime. 

Krasner shares insights on how his office has adapted policies based on data and the importance of storytelling in communicating success. He also addresses the future goals for his office and offers advice to other district attorneys on effective communication and engagement with the media.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What has Larry Krasner’s experience as the District Attorney of Philadelphia been like?
• How is the Philadelphia DA’s office embracing data to communicate their approach to criminal justice?
• The unlikely candidate Krasner hired to lead the DA’s data lab
• How is transparency in data crucial, regardless of data outcomes?
• What is the impact of effective communication on the residents of Philadelphia’s perceptions of crime?
• How can investing in prevention become a key factor in crime reduction?
• What aspect of criminal investigation plays a significant role in solving crimes and ensuring justice?
• How is contextualizing crime data essential for public understanding?
• What policies has Krasner's office adapted policies based on data findings?
• How is community engagement vital for effective crime reduction strategies?

Guest Bio: 

Larry Krasner, born in 1961 in St. Louis to a World War II veteran and a minister, earned degrees from the University of Chicago and Stanford Law School, where he focused on social justice rather than corporate law. After graduating in 1987, he returned to Philadelphia to work as a public defender and later founded his own criminal defense and civil rights practice in 1993. Over his career, he has tried thousands of cases, filed more than 75 civil rights lawsuits against police misconduct, and defended activists and marginalized communities at little to no cost. As Philadelphia’s District Attorney, Larry has prioritized justice reform—supporting victims, exonerating the innocent, reducing incarceration, holding police accountable, and addressing the root causes of crime. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife of 37 years.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Larry Krasner at KrasnerforDA.com.

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