We want to share a new podcast with you! Obscured tells stories that unfold largely out of the public eye. Investigative journalists and creators of Obscured Emily Previti and Stephanie Marudas are sharing the latest episode from their series “From Words to Weapons” with Bad Watchdog listeners.
Obscured’s sixth episode of “From Words to Weapons” focuses on how county jails treat people with mental health conditions.
Emily and Stephanie talk with journalist Brett Sholtis, who investigated this issue in Pennsylvania. Brett investigated interactions between corrections officers and inmates with mental health conditions; specifically, he looked into how tasers, restraints, and other types of force are utilized within county jails.
The conversation also delves into how a lack of transparency about what happens in these county jails can prevent accountability and public understanding of these issues. For more information and resources from Obscured, listeners can go to https://www.kouvendamedia.com/obscured/ and can listen to more episodes here.
Links of interest: https://www.witf.org/news/mental-health-behind-bars/
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Last week was the first time DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari testified in front of Congress since Bad Watchdog was released. Lawmakers took it as a chance to hold him accountable for some of the decisions he’s made as inspector general, from his delayed notification to Congress about the missing Secret Service text messages to the sexual misconduct and harassment report his office never published. Investigative reporter Nick Schwellenbach joins Maren to recap the hearing, to break down an explosive admission by Cuffari, and to share updates about Nick’s latest investigations into Cuffari — and an upcoming season two of Bad Watchdog.
For transcript and show notes, visit pogo.org/podcasts/bad-watchdog
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In the final episode of “Bad Watchdog,” Nick and Adam discover that Cuffari knew about even more missing January 6th text messages from the Trump-era DHS leadership team, and Maren asks the million-dollar question: Why hasn’t this guy been removed from power? Experts weigh reforms to the inspector general system that would improve accountability for bad watchdogs and discuss what may be preventing President Biden from taking action. Maren gives Cuffari’s staff the final word.
For transcript and show notes, visit pogo.org/podcasts/bad-watchdog
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Cuffari’s mismanagement of Homeland Security’s watchdog office has Maren wondering how he ended up with such an important job in the first place. She looks back at his Senate confirmation, alleged ethics violations, and dubious qualifications, and she and Nick talk with Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS), chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, about his efforts to hold Cuffari accountable. Nick and Adam detail Cuffari’s early fights with his own staff, and a group of anonymous watchdog office staff plead with President Biden to remove their boss.
For transcript and show notes, visit pogo.org/podcasts/bad-watchdog
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The Homeland Security watchdog tries to bury a report on sexual harassment and misconduct at the agency, but POGO’s investigators expose the plot. Maren talks to former Border Patrol officer and current reform advocate Jenn Budd about her own painful experiences working for the agency. DHS Secretary Mayorkas responds almost immediately to Nick and Adam’s findings, and Congress starts asking questions about Cuffari.
For transcript and show notes, visit pogo.org/podcasts/bad-watchdog
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.