Contra Costa DA’s new podcast educates listeners on the complexities of the criminal justice system

To provide insight into legal issues impacting the community, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has launched a podcast called “Cross-Examination.”

The podcast will “focus on depth and detail, embedded in engaging discussions,” the DA’s office said this week.

“The goal of the cross-examination is to unravel the complexities of the criminal justice system, illuminate important public safety issues and promote transparency in law enforcement regarding residents in Contra Costa County.”

In the first episode, District Attorney Diana Becton chats with the hosts’ DA’s Office spokesperson, Ted Asregadoo, and Assistant District Attorney Brian Feinberg.

The goal is to “examine the district attorney’s office’s critical role in seeking justice, maintaining public safety, and balancing these responsibilities with the need for reform,” the prosecutor’s office said.

Other episodes cover current and relevant topics such as retail theft.

“The goal of the cross-examination is to unravel the complexities of the criminal justice system, illuminate important public safety issues and promote transparency in law enforcement regarding residents in Contra Costa County.”

Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Chief inspector Arnold Threets shares findings from real cases and discusses crime prevention strategies, while criminologist Dr. Samuel DeWitt examines how media coverage influences public perceptions of crime.

Cross-Examination later offers a behind-the-scenes look at crime reporting with veteran journalist Henry Lee of KTVU television, who discusses the challenges of reporting crime stories in a fast-paced, social media-driven environment.

The DA’s office said it provides an opportunity for the public to better understand the criminal justice system from different perspectives.

“I think podcasts about the type of work our local government does – particularly the district attorney’s office – will help build trust by fostering stronger community relationships through in-depth discussions about public safety issues,” Becton said.

Cross-Examination is now available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and other podcast platforms.