Incarcerate less. Colorado incarcerates too many people for too long. Colorado today incarcerates about 425 people per 100,000 population. That rate is less than the U.S. average, historically the highest in the world, of 629. But Colorado’s rate is four times the rate for Canada or the United Kingdom, and more than five times the rate for Germany.

Revisit long sentences. We support a “second look” law that could reopen cases for inmates serving lengthy sentences for non-violent crimes. There are many model prisoners who have been locked up for decades with no way to adjust their sentences. Denver District Attorney Beth McCann says she has deserving cases brought to her, but she has no legal basis to act.

Expand restorative justice. The Denver District Attorney’s office has developed restorative justice programs with local partners, but it is a miniscule program in need of significant new funding.

Expand the juvenile category. Consider raising the age of criminal responsibility to ensure that young offenders are treated in a developmentally appropriate manner, and expand diversion programs to keep youth out of the traditional justice system and provide alternatives for rehabilitation.

Reduce cash bail requirements. We think an overhaul of the bail system is sorely needed  because it disproportionately affects low-income individuals. We have a two-tier system that favors the well off and consigns the poor to a debtor’s prison. Increasingly we question the legitimacy of the cash bail system.

Expand PR bonds. In a study of Denver’s practices during the pandemic, when an increased number of arrested people were granted personal recognizance (PR) bonds to reduce the infection risk in jails, DU researchers found that cash bail and PR bonded individuals showed up for court dates at the same rate. Pretrial services and risk assessments should take these findings into account.

Bail alternatives. We advocate eliminating cash bail entirely or implementing alternative systems to ensure court appearance without relying on financial means.

Stop profiting. We are encouraged by the elimination of some for-profit prisons, and ask that we reassess the reliance on every for-profit entity within the criminal justice system.

End mandatory minimums. We support the abolition of mandatory minimum sentences, and trust the judgment of prosecutors, juries, and judges to apply the proper penalty in each case.

Restore Sheriff’s Department. Bring the Denver Sheriff's department up to full employment to make jail safer and end mandatory overtime.

Reform Sheriff’s Department. Change the discipline policy in the Sheriff's department so that the burden of proof of the infraction is on the department to prove guilt, not to prove innocence by the employee.

Prepare inmates for responsibility. The focus during incarceration should be rehabilitation and providing educational and vocational programs from the beginning, not at the end. 

Support reentry. Strengthen programs to support individuals returning to their communities, including access to housing, employment, and mental health services.