5 (and a Half) Questions with Jim Clemente
- By Website Editor
- •
- 13 Mar, 2018
We're proud to call Jim Clemente a friend of CrimeCon. His enthusiasm, humor, and fierce devotion to victims and families have made him a force of nature in the criminal justice system. If last year was any indication, we're in for a treat as Jim and his team return to host CrimeCon 2018 in Nashville. Jim - nicest guy in the world - took some time to give me a glimpse into what we can look forward to this year, what's wrong in the justice system, and to follow up on an intriguing story we heard in Indianapolis.
CCI: What can we expect from you at CrimeCon?
JC: I’m excited to be back at the show again with my production company X-G Productions. Like last year, we’ll have a number of different speakers in the main keynotes and breakout sessions. We’ll be on Podcast Row and hosting a number of meet-and-greets again. It is great to get a chance in the meet-and-greets to talk to the fans face-to-face. We’ll also be doing a very special VIP event that’s still under wraps and conducting another large-scale immersive experience like last year’s Interrogation Experience.
CCI: I’ve heard you speak a couple of times about the flaws of the jury process and other “kinks” in the justice system. What do you think is the biggest failure in the justice system right now?
JC: Individual failures. It takes every single person along the line in the justice system to be moral, stand-up people, to do their jobs and do them right, and to make sure they don’t put blinders on and pre-judge a victim or determine the outcome without looking at the evidence. The biggest failure in the justice system is that it’s run by humans and we’re not always right. The worst consequence of that is when we wrongfully convict people. There are hundreds of people on death row that have been wrongfully convicted because of errors in human judgement or process, and that’s a travesty.
CCI: Happier topics now: How’d you get so funny?
JC: There’s a lot of need for humor when you’re focusing on a job where you’re dealing with the worst things that people do to each other.
CCI: What’s your weirdest/best fan encounter?
JC: I have one of each, and both were at CrimeCon 2017 in Indianapolis.
Weirdest: one of my colleagues overheard three women saying that their major goal was to sleep with me at CrimeCon.
CCI: Wow. That’s a pretty lofty goal.
JC: Yeah, not the reason I come to CrimeCon, but it was certainly interesting.
My best fan encounter was a young woman who said I inspired her to apply to the FBI and she had just started an internship at the FBI when I met her. It’s a good feeling to know we’re inspiring the next generation of leaders in justice.
CCI: What do you consider your biggest success?
JC: During my time with the FBI, my team and I saved a six-year-old boy who had been abducted. All odds were stacked against us, but he’s alive today because of the work my team did, and that’s a great feeling.
CCI: BONUS QUESTION. Something I’ve wondered since we heard about this at CrimeCon 2017: why did you kill a fox?
JC: He started it.
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Don't miss Jim's contagious energy and jaw-dropping storytelling in Nashville! Register now for CrimeCon 2018. Hurry - tickets are going fast!
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
