DE499E7FFF5C1A8287258435005C2DBF Hearing Summary

Gina Shimeall, representing the Criminal Defense Bar on the Task Force, presented a brief overview of the competency ad-hoc subcommittee and the need to further address juvenile competency issues.



Peggy Heil, representing the Division of Criminal Justice on the Task Force, distributed a packet regarding areas of study and recommendations from the data subcommittee (Attachment D). She discussed the difficulties of finding information about individuals with mental health disorders in jail and the need for inter-agency information sharing.  Ms. Heil also addressed points of intercepts, 911 calls, and crisis service administrators.    

Committee members asked quesitons about jail booking logs, technology, and current efforts on the local level to address points of intercept.  Further discussion ensued about privacy and interoperability platforms.  

Ms. Shimeall presented findings from the housing subcommittee.  She referenced a 2017 bill regarding housing vouchers for mentally ill people coming out of prison.  She noted the need for cross-collabation in housing markets. A handout was distributed about the goals and strategy of the housing subcommittee (Attachment E).

Jennifer Longtin, representing the Alternate Defense Counsel on the Task Force, also spoke about the housing subcommittee and ackowledged interns from the University of Denver who helped on projects.  She stressed that the subcommittee has focused on long-term goals regarding technology, data gathering, wrap-around services, and integrating and connecting resources.  She referenced technology that could help accomplish these goals.  

Dr. Gianna Luszko, representing the Department of Human Services on the Task Force, discussed the M1 hold (emergency mental health holds) subcommittee and distributed a handout that includes recommendations (Attachment F).  She stressed the lack of data and outcome measures related to these holds.  She recommended developing a data bank to follow efficacy, outcomes, and placement of the individuals upon release.  She further discussed 911 protocols and related Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).  

The committee discussed POST and crisis intervention training.  

Committee members expressed interest in the further study of M1 holds.