IN-CJ Podcast 008 with Michael Nail
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IN-CJ exists to enable conversations to take place about international criminal justice. This podcast is the fourth of a series about the challenge posed to leaders by the COVID-19 crisis. The people working in the criminal justice system at the frontline across the world are facing unique issues in keeping services going and protecting the public. It follows that their leaders are also facing unique challenges. John Scott wants to find out how leaders and organisations are responding to COVID-19. It is a chance to share experiences and problems, but also to hear stories about creativity and changes. How are you responding to ‘The Covid19 Leadership Challenge?’ In this episode John talks with Michael Nail, the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS). In his role, Michael is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of one of the USA’s largest community supervision agencies, which is comprised of over 2000 employees responsible for the adult felony supervision of over 200,000 individuals.
In this episode of the IN-CJ COVID Leadership Challenge series, John Scott speaks with Michael Nail, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and President of the National Association of Probation Executives (NAPE). The conversation explores how probation and community supervision services in the United States have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the leadership lessons emerging from this period of crisis.
Michael describes the unique role of Georgia’s Department of Community Supervision, created in 2015 to bring together probation and parole under a single statewide agency. With responsibility for more than 2000 staff supervising adult felons, Georgia faced the immediate challenge of suspending field contacts in early 2020 and moving rapidly to virtual supervision. Officers relied heavily on technology, with many clients needing support to access or use smartphones and video platforms.
One of the unexpected “silver linings” was that virtual interactions often allowed longer and more meaningful engagement. While field visits averaged six minutes, online meetings stretched to 20 minutes or more, enabling stronger relationships between officers and clients. Tele-counselling, virtual cognitive behavioural programmes, and group sessions over Zoom or Google Meet also emerged as effective alternatives to in-person interventions.
Michael reflected on the wider impact of COVID-19 across U.S. probation services. Agencies faced budget cuts, pressure on staffing, and increased anxieties among staff and their families. At the same time, the pandemic forced a rethink about the use of local jails for technical violations. Instead of relying on custody as a quick sanction, agencies began “slow-walking” violations and investing more time in supporting compliance within the community.
As President of NAPE, Michael noted how the crisis reshaped national leadership. In-person conferences and networking were suspended, but the pandemic created stronger individual connections among probation executives facing shared challenges. NAPE now plays a key role in sharing emerging practices, supporting leaders, and shaping the future direction of probation.
Michael also shared his personal reflections, noting that the pandemic prompted him to re-evaluate priorities, invest more in relationships, and focus on staff wellbeing. He described this as not a “new normal” but a new opportunity—to retain the innovations and efficiencies discovered during the pandemic while building stronger, more resilient probation systems for the future.
Listen to the full discussion in IN-CJ Podcast 008 with Michael Nail.
