The Texas Public Policy Foundation announced that former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman will be the Executive Director for Right on Crime, the foundation’s campaign focusing on criminal justice reform. Tolman, a signatory of the Right on Crime Statement of Principles, has led Right on Crime’s national prosecutorial reform project for two years.
“I can think of no one better to lead Right on Crime than Brett Tolman,” said TPPF CEO Kevin Roberts. “His background as a prosecutor and criminal justice reform advocate—he is one of the original drafters of major portions of the landmark First Step Act of 2018—gives him a unique understanding of our criminal justice system and the importance of seeking justice and improving public safety. Brett will take the helm of Right on Crime at a time when it is more important than ever to support local law enforcement, help rehabilitate individuals, and keep our communities safe.”
“I am incredibly pleased to welcome aboard my friend and fellow conservative criminal justice advocate Brett Tolman,” said Derek Cohen, the former head of Right on Crime who was recently promoted to Vice President of Policy for TPPF. “Working side by side with Brett on the First Step Act and most recently on our prosecutor initiative, I know firsthand the value he will bring to this state and to our broader national work.”
“It is a distinct honor to be asked to serve as Executive Director of Right on Crime—an organization that I’ve worked with and respected for many years,” stated Tolman. “I’ve long held that conservatives need to lead on reforming our criminal justice systems because we can do so while not losing sight of the need to keep our communities safe.”
Tolman was appointed by President George Bush in 2006 as the United States Attorney for the District of Utah and held that office from 2006-2009. From 2008-2009 he was selected by Attorney General Michael Mukasey to serve as special advisor to the Attorney General on national and international policy issues affecting United States Attorneys and the Department of Justice. Prior to becoming U.S. Attorney, Tolman served as Chief Counsel for Crime and Terrorism in the United States Senate, Judiciary Committee.
During his career, Tolman has testified numerous times before the United States Congress and assisted in drafting and passing many pieces of legislation affecting state and federal criminal justice systems. These include the First Step Act of 2018, The Corrections Act, The Sentencing Reform Act, The Justice for All Act of 2004, Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (2005), The Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005, The USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005, and The Adam Walsh Protection and Safety Act (2006).