Julius Buie as Pulaski Court Coordinator for Expanding Initiative

The Smart Justice District Court Initiative, now active in seven Arkansas counties and expanding to more, has welcomed Julius Buie as the new Court Coordinator for Pulaski County. The role is pivotal in advancing the program’s mission—shifting the court system’s focus from punishment to rehabilitation—by connecting participants with resources, ensuring accountability, and building strong bridges between the court, service providers, and the community.

As Court Coordinator, Buie will serve as the primary point of contact for participants, guiding them through the legal process while coordinating referrals to essential services such as housing, employment, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. He will also monitor compliance with court orders, track progress toward established goals, and collect and analyze data to evaluate the initiative’s success.

For Buie, this work is deeply personal. He grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and spent over 25 years entrenched in a gang lifestyle, involved in drug dealing, and navigating the court system without access to programs or resources that could help him change his trajectory.

“There were no programs like the Smart Justice Initiative available to help individuals like me,” he shared. “My goal now is to be a living testament that transformation is possible, and that hope and change are achievable.”

Buie’s path to the role was shaped by his work with the 100 Families Initiative, where he learned how to connect individuals in crisis with resources and guide them toward stability. Those experiences, combined with his own journey, give him a unique ability to empathize with participants and advocate for their success.

“I believe in the power of second chances and the ability to create a more equitable and supportive environment for those navigating the justice system,” Buie said.

In Pulaski County, Buie’s priorities are clear: reduce recidivism, strengthen collaboration between the court and community organizations, and ensure participants receive long-term support that enables them to thrive beyond their court involvement. His strategies include building strong partnerships with service providers, engaging the public through outreach and education, and amplifying the voices of those directly impacted by the justice system.

“My role is about more than just meeting court requirements—it’s about helping people break the cycle, rebuild their lives, and become contributing members of society,” Buie said. “When we focus on second chances, we all win—individuals, families, and the community.”

With his lived experience, professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to change, Buie is poised to help the Smart Justice District Court Initiative make a transformative impact in Pulaski County.