Crime Inc. Podcast artwork

Crime Inc. Podcast

48 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 147 ratings

Crime Inc. takes you behind the curtain of the American Criminal Justice System. The show will bring in depth interviews with former prison inmates, prosecutors, professors, defense lawyers, cops, and everyone in-between. Guests range from Berkeley Law School professors to prison inmates serving life sentences. If you like true crime stories you will enjoy this podcast.

The show is hosted by Alexander Y. Benikov who is a practicing criminal defense lawyer, author, and law professor. Mr. Benikov has handled thousands of criminal matters ranging from small misdeamenors to major felonies.

Society & Culture Education crime prison attorney criminaljusticereform jail justice law truecrime
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Episodes

Black Lives Matter with Professor Jonathan Simon

November 04, 2020 11:00 - 36 minutes - 50 MB

I am joined by Berkeley Law School Professor Jonathan Simon to talk about the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Defund the Police with Beau Tribolet

October 28, 2020 10:30 - 34 minutes - 47 MB

I am joined by my dear friend Mr. Tribolet to talk about the Defund the Police movement. This is the third part in my series on the topic. 

Defund the Police with Retired Officer Jason

October 21, 2020 10:00 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MB

Join us as we discuss #defundthepolice. 

#DefundthePolice with Professor Simon

October 14, 2020 10:00 - 45 minutes - 62.4 MB

I am joined by Professor Simon from Berkeley Law School to talk about the #defundthepolice movement. 

Police Unions with Retired Officer Tribolet

October 08, 2020 10:00 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MB

I am joined by retired police officer Beau Tribolet to talk about police unions. 

Undercover Narcotics Officer

October 01, 2020 10:00 - 38 minutes - 52.2 MB

I am joined by my friend Jason who recently retired after 25 years as a police officer. We talked about his interesting career and about his extensive experience as an undercover narcotics officer. 

Community Police Relations with Berkeley Law School Professor Jonathan Simon

April 27, 2020 10:30 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MB

I am once again joined by Bekeley Law School Professor Jonathan Simon. We talk about community police relations, the history of how we got to where we are, and what can be done going forward. 

Domestic Violence Treatment With Scottsdale Treatment Institute

April 20, 2020 15:47 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MB

On this episode I speak with a counselor at Scottsdale Treatment Institute about the subject of domestic violence and domestic violence treatment. We speak about some of the root causes of domestic violence, treatment options, and other domestic violence related topics. 

Life as Female Prison Guard, Part Three

April 13, 2020 11:00 - 32 minutes - 44 MB

Governing Through Crime with Berkeley Professor Jonathan Simon

April 06, 2020 10:30 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MB

On this episode I am joined by Berkeley Law School Professor Jonathan Simon. Professor Simon has been on the podcast before and I always learn a lot from him. On this episode we speak about the concept of "governing through crime." The following is more about Professor Simon from his professor profile which can be found at: https://www.law.berkeley.edu/our-faculty/faculty-profiles/jonathan-simon/ "Jonathan Simon joined the Berkeley Law faculty in 2003 as part of the J.D., JSP, and Leg...

Law School to Prison to Lawyer with Lisa Hana, Part Three.

November 18, 2019 12:00 - 40 minutes - 56 MB

I am again joined by Lisa Hana who gives me an update on how life outside of prison is going. She is now a practicing lawyer and doing great. We speak about many of the issues that people face when released from prison, and how she has coped with some of those issues. 

Life as a Female Prison Guard, Part Two

November 11, 2019 11:00 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MB

This is part two of my conversation with a woman who spent a number of years as a prison guard in a maximum security prison. We cover a wide range of topics related to prisons and prison guards. 

Life as a Female Prison Guard, Part One

November 04, 2019 12:00 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MB

On this episode I am joined by a woman who spent a number of years as a prison guard in a maximum security prison. We cover a wide range of topics related to prisons and prison guards. 

Life as a Prison Guard at a Super Max Prison, Part 1

May 26, 2019 17:23 - 33 minutes - 60.7 MB

This is an episode I did several months ago with a person who used to work as a prison guard at a super max prison. I wanted to rerun the episode for new listeners that may not have heard it the first time it was run. 

From Law School to Prison to Practicing Law, Part 2

February 19, 2019 16:49 - 39 minutes - 54.9 MB

This is part two of my conversation with Lisa Hanna about her journey from law school to prison to being a lawyer. We speak about a variety of topics including drugs, prison reform, and many other topics. 

From Law School to Prison to Practicing Law, Part 1

February 12, 2019 16:26 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MB

My guest Lisa Hanna has an amazing story to tell. On part 1 we discuss her drug addiction and the choices that led her to prison. 

Arizona Innocence Project

February 04, 2019 19:49 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MB

On this episode I am joined by two members of the Arizona Innocence Project to talk about their work. 

From Prison to Stanford University, Part 2

January 28, 2019 16:04 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MB

This is part two of my conversation with Jason Spyres about his life in prison and after prison. Mr. Spyres has an amazing story of how he went from drug dealing to prison to Stanford University where he currently studies engineering. 

From 15 Years in Prison to Stanford University, Part 1

January 21, 2019 17:19 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MB

Jason Spyres has an amazing story to tell. After being convicted of marijuana distribution charges Mr. Spyres was sentenced to a very long term in prison. Part 1 we talk about how he got into drug dealing and what led to his prison term. 

Prosecuting Sex Crimes

November 19, 2018 19:37 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MB

Prosecuting Sex Crimes with Former Maricopa County Prosecutor Mr. Bridger. Prosecuting sex crimes can be very challenging work due to the sensitive nature of the cases. We talk about DNA testing, witnesses that may not want to be involved and many other issues. 

Inside the World of Military Police

November 05, 2018 15:46 - 43 minutes - 59.5 MB

I speak with a former military police soldier about many interesting aspects of the job. We also talk about what it is like going into a war zone as a soldier. If you have every been curious about what military police actually do this episode is for you. 

Defending Death Penalty Cases with Defense Lawyer Stacy Hyder

October 22, 2018 16:30 - 53 minutes - 73.6 MB

On this episode I am joined by friend, and defense lawyer, Stacy Hyder. We discuss her work in defending people in death penalty cases. We talk about what it is like having a client where the prosecution is seeking the death penalty. We also talk about the emotional toll this type of work can take on defense lawyers. 

Mental Health and Criminal Justice

October 15, 2018 15:56 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MB

I am joined by friend Lynn Gibson to discuss the large role mental health plays in our criminal justice system. Ms. Gibson works in criminal courts with clients who have mental health issues. Ms. Gibson has years of experience and gives incredible insight into how the system treats these types of cases, and what can be done to improve the system. 

Maximum Security Prison Guard, Part 2 

October 08, 2018 20:26 - 29 minutes - 40 MB

Maximum Security Prison Guard, Part 2  In part 2 we discuss many of the issues that prison guards face inside of prison. We also face about many of the pressures and challenges that prison guards face on a daily basis. If you have ever wondered what prison life is really like you will enjoy this episode. 

Life as a Maximum Security Prison Guard, Part 1

October 01, 2018 15:36 - 33 minutes - 60.7 MB

On this episode I am joined by a former maximum security prison guard to talk about what life inside prison is like for a guard. We cover many issues including, how inmates are treated, drugs inside the prison, and many other issues. 

Future of Marijuana with Kate Bell from Marijuana Policy Project

September 24, 2018 16:02 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MB

General Counsel for the Marijuana Policy Project is our guest to talk about many of the issues surrounding marijuana legalization. We talk about many issues including the future of medical and recreational marijuana. 

Supermax Prisons with UC Irvine Professor Reiter

August 24, 2018 18:59 - 45 minutes - 62.4 MB

This was one of the first podcasts I had recorded, and covers the subjects of supermax prisons. I wanted to republish it as I have been able to clean up the sound a little bit. I also wanted to republish it as the podcast has many new listeners that may not have been subscribing to the podcast when the episode was first published. We are hard at work on season 3 of Crime Inc. and will have new podcast episodes soon so please stay tuned. 

Micro Podcast; Season 3 Preview

July 23, 2018 21:27 - 5 minutes - 7.96 MB

On this Micro Podcast I give a preview of the upcoming season 3 of Crime Inc. We have awesome guests coming up that will be speaking on a variety of topics including, drug abuse, gangs, mental health issues, prosecuting sex crimes, marijuana legalization and prison security, among others. 

Marijuana Legalization with NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano

July 16, 2018 16:09 - 37 minutes - 52 MB

Deputy Director of NORML Paul Armentano is our guest on this episode of Crime Inc. We talk about many issues surrounding marijuana and marijuana legalization. Some of the issues we talk about are benefits of marijuana legalization, arguments against legalization, history of marijuana as a controlled substance, federal, and state roadblocks to legalization, and many other issues. 

Police Internal Affairs with Retired Officer Beau Tribolet

July 09, 2018 20:30 - 33 minutes - 46.7 MB

Retired Police Officer Beau Tribolet is our guest this week to talk about the world of police internal affairs. We speak about many issues relating to internal affairs such as how cases are investigated, the stress of being investigated, what can cause an investigation, and many other issues. If you have ever been curious about how internal affairs actually works, and how real police deal with the department you will enjoy this episode. As always, Mr. Tribolet, is honest, insightful, and not...

Treating Substance Abuse with Scottsdale Treatment Institute

July 02, 2018 16:24 - 48 minutes - 66.4 MB

Substance abuse and substance addiction are a major part of crime and the criminal justice system. Many people who are charged with crimes are also dealing with substance abuse. On this episode I talk with the founder, and one of the main substance abuse counselors from Scottsdale Treatment Institute based in Scottsdale, Arizona. We discuss many of the issues surrounding substance abuse such as treatment methods, coping methods, recovery, and any other issues. 

Serving Life in Prison, Part 2

June 25, 2018 21:21 - 44 minutes - 61.3 MB

We continue our conversation with Mr. Roy about life in prison. If you ever wanted to know what life in a maximum security prison is really like you will enjoy this episode. Mr. Roy is incredibly honest about what life on the inside is really like. Mr. Roy also tells the story of his prison escapes which sounds like something out of a movie but is very much true. 

Serving Life in Prison in, Part One

June 15, 2018 20:36 - 46 minutes - 63.9 MB

On this episode of Crime Inc. we are joined by Christopher Roy who is currently serving a life sentence in a Mississippi maximum security prison. This is part 1 of the conversation I had with Mr. Roy. Mr. Roy shares information about his childhood, how he got into crime and what led to him serving a life sentence. 

Conversation With a Former Probation and Parole Officer

June 11, 2018 16:04 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MB

On this episode of Crime Inc. We are joined by a former parol and probation officer to learn about adult probation and parole. Our guest spent seven years working as a probation and parole officer. We discuss many issues such as alcohol and substance abuse, recidivism, prison, treatment programs, and many more topics.

Race, Class and Criminal Justice Reform with Berkley Professor Jonathan Simon

June 03, 2018 18:59 - 57 minutes - 106 MB

This was one of the first episodes I did when the podcast was brand new. I wanted to re-release the episode because many of the issues we discussed have been all over the news. I also wanted to re-release the episode as many of our new podcast subscribers didn't get to hear the episode in their feed. We talk about a variety of issues surrounding the modern criminal justice system including how it was formed, and how many issues such as class, and race play into it.  Professor Simon joined ...

Life in Prison, Part Two

May 29, 2018 15:53 - 43 minutes - 60.2 MB

In part 2 our guests tells us what prison is actually like. We talk about gangs, prison culture, gang violence, prison sex, and many other topics. Our guest spent six months in prison and much of that time was spent in solitary confinement. Our guests shares what it was like to be in solitary confinement, and how the experience changed him forever. This was one of the most powerful interviews I have done so far. After hearing this episode I suspect some people's view of prison, and how inm...

Life Inside Jail and Prison, Part 1

May 21, 2018 19:22 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MB

Our guest for this episode shares his experience being inside jail and prison. Part 1 focuses on what led him to being locked up in jail and ultimately prison. Our guest shares some of the harsh realities in this episode of being inside jail. Harsh realities that he experienced in jail included not enough food, guard abuse, terrible living conditions, and gangs. Our guest is incredibly honest and will take you behind the curtain of life in jail. 

Stress of the Legal Profession with Former Defense Lawyer Kirk Nurmi

May 14, 2018 17:52 - 43 minutes - 59.3 MB

We are once again joined by former defense lawyer Kirk Nurmi. Mr. Nurmi spent close to 20 years as a defense lawyer handling major sex crimes and death penalty cases. Mr. Nurmi represented Jodi Arias in her death penalty case. Mr. Nurmi talks about the stress and pressure on lawyers, and defense lawyers in particular. Mr. Nurmi also talks about the work he is now doing to help lawyers deal with stress, substance abuse, and other issues that they may be struggling with. This episode is an int...

Police and Social Issues with Retired Officer Beau Tribolet

May 08, 2018 15:59 - 46 minutes - 64.2 MB

Retired Officer Tribolet joins us one final time this season to talk about many different issues relating to police. We talk about police shootings, use of non lethal force, police training, police misconduct, assault weapons, media coverage of police, and many other interesting issues. Mr. Tribolet is honest as always about his time on the police force, and the mistakes he had made. 

Veterans Court with Defense Lawyer Laurel Workman

May 03, 2018 15:46 - 29 minutes - 40.9 MB

In this episode I am joined by Defense Lawyer Laurel Workman to discuss her work in veterans court. We discuss how the court works, the ideas behind the court, and how the court helps veterans. Ms. Workman shares some powerful stories of how the court has been able to help some veterans. 

Examining Two High Profile Police Shooting Cases. Part 1 of 2.

April 29, 2018 17:49 - 45 minutes - 62.8 MB

In this episode we are again joined by retired Police Officer Beau Tribolet to examine some of the recent high profile police shootings cases.  Both cases we talk about were captured on video. We look at the high profile shooting case of Alton Sterling. The video link is: here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3OX5xUJQag&has_verified=1 (video is graphic)  There very several videos taken and I encourage listeners to look at all the video to make their own determination.  The second high...

Police Use of Deadly Force With Retired Police Officer Beau Tribolet

April 22, 2018 22:49 - 54 minutes - 75.3 MB

Retired Police Officer Beau Tribolet is back once again on this episode of Crime Inc. In the first half of the episode we discuss the complicated and sensitive issue of police shootings and use of deadly force. In the second part of the episode Mr. Tribolet tells the story of how he had to use deadly force as a Police Officer when his own life was on the line. The story Mr. Tribolet tells is powerful, emotional, and one that is will resonate with people. Everyone that listens to the episod...

Defending a Serial Killer

April 17, 2018 18:31 - 42 minutes - 57.8 MB

Welcome back to Season 2 of Crime Inc. On this episode our guest is Michigan defense lawyer Lorne Brown and we discuss what it is like to defend a Serial Killer. Mr. Browne defended a person accused of committing two murders, and the police suspected there may have been other victims as well. Mr. Browne talks about what is like defending someone accused of committing two murders, and what the trial was like. We talk about many aspects of the case including the emotional toll a defense lawyer...

Life As a Police Officer with Retired Officer Beau Tribolet

November 15, 2017 22:15 - 1 hour - 90.8 MB

On this episode I am joined by retired Police Officer Beau Tribolet who worked as a police officer for 18 years before retiring.  After the police academy Mr. Tribolet started out in patrol and went on various jobs inside the police department including SWAT, and being a supervisor. We discuss many issues surrounding police including proper training, substance abuse, community relations, use of body cameras, and what makes good, and bad police. Mr. Tribolet is incredibly honest about the mis...

American Prisons with Professor Simon from Berkeley Law School

November 02, 2017 20:03 - 57 minutes - 108 MB

On this episode I speak with Professor Jonathan Simon from Berkeley law school. Professor Simon gives excellent insight into how culture, politics, race and other factors intersect with American prisons. We discuss a lot of interesting issues surrounding prisons today and talk about the history of prisons in America. 

The Role of the Public Defender

October 18, 2017 23:32 - 52 minutes - 71.9 MB

On this episode I speak with Michigan Public Defender Lorne Brown. Mr. Brown was my supervisor when I was an intern with the office back in 2008. Mr. Brown has spent his entire career with the office where he has handled every type of criminal matter ranging from misdeamanor to murder. In this episode we talk about the role of the public defender, what makes a good public defender, and common misconceptions. We also talk about how race, class, and socio-economic factors all play into the Cri...

Defending Death Penalty Cases with Former Defense Lawyer Kirk Nurmi

October 07, 2017 18:00 - 49 minutes - 68 MB

On this episode I speak with former defense lawyer L. Kirk Nurmi about the challenges of defending capital cases. Mr. Nurmi gained national prominence when he was lead counsel on the Jodi Arias murder case. Mr. Nurmi's is the author of the book Trapped with Ms. Arias.

Welcome to Supermax Prison

October 07, 2017 17:47 - 43 minutes - 60.4 MB

On this episode I speak with Professor Keramet Reiter about supermax prisons. Professor Reiter is the author of the book 23/7,the first comprehensive history of the origins of the modern supermax, or supermaximum security prison, and the co-editor of the Extreme Punishment anthology. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society and at the School of Law at the University of California, Irvine.