Our Background
The Watchline Initiative was born out of a deep concern for the way youth are treated in detention and the lack of transparency in systems meant to protect them. Too often, misconduct goes unseen, youth voices are ignored, and justice becomes an afterthought. We recognized a need for independent oversight, an outside presence dedicated not just to observing, but to holding institutions accountable.
With roots in juvenile justice advocacy, legal support, and on-the-ground experience, our organization shares a vision of building a system where youth are treated with dignity and their rights are never optional. Through monitoring, legal education, and reform-driven partnerships, we work to create structural change and empowering young people every step of the way.
Meet Us
Melissa Asplin
Education
2019 - 2023
Concordia College, Moorhead, MN
I earned my undergraduate degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where I triple majored in Psychology, Sociology, and French, with a minor in International Affairs. During my time at Concorida, I studied away in Australia, Italy, and Washington, D.C. While in D.C., I completed a prestigious internship with the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, serving as an investigative intern on federal cases. My work included client and jail visits, canvassing for witnesses and video evidence, and gathering critical case data. Upon returning from campus, I completed an experiential learning opportunity at the local juvenile detention center, where I observed numerous system issues. This experience solidified my commitment to juvenile justice reform and advocacy.
2023 - 2025
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
I earned my Master of Public Policy from North Dakota State University with a strong focus on juvenile justice. My research was recognized with the Master of Public Policy Paper Award for a study examining faith-based individuals' attitudes and perceptions toward punishment in juvenile detention facilities. For my Capstone, I worked on North Dakota Senate Bills 2036 and 2037, addressing juvenile collateral consequences and competency, both of which passed. This work involved directly engaging with key stakeholders, collecting data, and attending House and Senate floor sessions. I also started ongoing research into law enforcement's use of the Detention Screening Tool, evaluating how officers assess and decide on juvenile detention placements.
