Ken Good is an attorney in Texas who specializes in law services for the bail bond industry. Additionally, Ken works closely with lawmakers and law enforcement on bail matters and provides input to key decision makers as policy evolves. Ken’s organization, the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, has a podcast called The Bail Post, which is an on-going discussion on what successful criminal justice reform looks like.
Ken’s position is that recent progressive attempts at criminal justice reform, by limiting or eliminating bail, have increased crime and been largely counterproductive. Thomas asks various questions about the mechanics of the bail industry, and the two discuss the factors that lead to crime, including whether or not systemic racism is an issue in the United State’s criminal justice system. This discussion is respectful and productive, unlike the partisan spats that mainstream media use to polarize the United States. In the ethos of this podcast, let’s discuss with nuance and let the best ideas win.
Get involved – let me know what you think about the bail industry @bronouveaupod on Instagram and contact@bronouveau.com.
Timestamps:
2:00 – Introductions and definitions – bondsman
5:00 – Harris County Example
11:00 – There needs to be a viable alternative to bail industry
14:00 – Why failure to appear is an important metric
17:00 – Criticism of the Bail Industry & Ken’s Counter-Argument
29:00 – Ideological Differences – Systemic Racism in the Criminal Justice System
36:00 – Crime arises from the drug trade
39:00 – Common Sense Drug Policy
49:00 – Thomas’ Reflections on this Episode
Reference Links:
Ken’s Website: https://pbtx.com/