In a field crowded with slogans and quick fixes, Dr. Brittany Burns stands out as a scholar-practitioner who has actually walked the front lines—across probation, parole, corrections, emergency communications, and interstate compact coordination—and then brought that hard-won insight into research and education. Her work centers the lived experience of system-impacted people and insists that reform be both evidence-based and human-first.
In this Clutch Q&A, Dr. Burns traces how hands-on service shaped her leadership, why peer mentorship and practical skill-building change outcomes, and what it takes to bridge policy ideals with on-the-ground realities. Above all, she makes the case for dignity, opportunity, and continuity of support as the non-negotiables of successful reentry.
Q: In just 2–3 sentences, what is the most important thing the world needs to know about you and the work you do?
A: I am committed to transforming the reentry landscape by centering the voices and lived experiences of system-impacted individuals. My work bridges research, policy, and practice to create evidence-based, people-centered solutions that promote dignity, opportunity, and long-term success after incarceration. At the heart of everything I do is the belief that effective reform is rooted in humanity and informed by those most affected.
Q: You’ve worked across probation, parole, corrections, emergency communications, and interstate compact coordination before stepping into research and education. How has that hands-on frontline experience shaped your approach as a scholar and leader?
My frontline experience gave me an unfiltered view of both the strengths and limitations of our justice system. I approach scholarship and leadership with a deep respect for practitioners’ realities, ensuring that my research is not only academically rigorous but also practical, relevant, and immediately actionable. This dual perspective allows me to connect policy ideals with the day-to-day realities of implementation.
Q: Your research focuses on reentry, lived experience, and system-impacted populations. What are some key insights you’ve uncovered about how education and vocational programs influence successful reintegration?
Education and vocational training are powerful catalysts for self-efficacy, identity transformation, and reduced recidivism. Programs that integrate real-world skill building with mentorship and support networks create pathways to economic stability and personal agency. Success is amplified when these opportunities are accessible pre-release and seamlessly connected to community-based resources post-release.
Q: During your time as the Interstate Compact Outgoing Coordinator for North Carolina, you managed offender transfers between jurisdictions. What did that role teach you about the complexities of reentry and public safety?
It reinforced that reentry is not just a local concern—it’s an interconnected process that crosses state lines, policies, and systems. Effective reentry requires collaboration, clear communication, and shared accountability between jurisdictions to ensure both public safety and continuity of support for returning citizens. Even small procedural gaps can have significant consequences for outcomes.
Q: You’ve made it a mission to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice. Can you share an example of how academic findings have directly influenced or improved policy or programs you’ve been involved with?
One example is my work highlighting the role of peer mentorship in reentry, which drew from both lived experience narratives and evidence-based research. This data informed the expansion of peer-led support components in a local reentry program, leading to measurable improvements in participant engagement and reduced program drop-off rates.
Q: You’ve committed to centering the voices of system-impacted individuals in your work. Why is this so important, and how do you ensure those voices are authentically represented in research and policy conversations?
System-impacted individuals are the true subject-matter experts on reentry. Their insights often reveal gaps and solutions that traditional approaches overlook. I ensure authenticity by using participatory research methods, compensating participants for their expertise, and inviting them into policy conversations as equal stakeholders—not just as data sources.
Q: You’re passionate about evidence-based, people-centered reforms. If you could see one national policy change implemented tomorrow to improve reentry outcomes, what would it be and why?
I would mandate universal access to comprehensive reentry preparation starting at least one year before release—integrating education, vocational training, mental health support, and transitional housing planning. This holistic approach addresses multiple barriers at once, increasing the likelihood of stability, safety, and long-term success.
Q: You’ve worked across multiple levels of the justice system and now collaborate with academic and governmental partners. What does an ideal collaboration look like for you, and how can others in the field get involved?
An ideal collaboration is grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and clear communication, with each partner bringing their unique expertise to the table. I value partnerships that are action-oriented, data-informed, and committed to sustainability beyond initial funding cycles. Those interested can connect through professional networks, academic conferences, or joint pilot initiatives.
Q: What advice would you give to young scholars, practitioners, or reform advocates who want to make a lasting impact in the criminal justice system?
Stay rooted in both evidence and empathy. Build relationships with those directly affected by your work, and never lose sight of the human lives behind the data. Progress often comes through persistence, so commit to being both patient and relentless in pursuit of change.
Q: If you had to create a reality TV show about the criminal justice field, what would it be called—and which role would you play: the no-nonsense judge, the behind-the-scenes strategist, or the undercover reformer?
It would be called Behind the Bars: The Untold Stories of Reentry, and I’d be the undercover reformer—navigating spaces from prison yards to policy meetings, uncovering the human stories and systemic challenges that rarely make the headlines.
