E86E50F67E2326F48725846200559F4A Hearing Summary

Representative Herod, Chair, called the meeting to order.  She announced the upcoming committee prison tour on September 30 and October 1 and discussed related logistics.

Troy Riggs, Executive Director, Denver Department of Public Safety, provided an update on the Denver City Council decision to not renew contracts with Geo and CoreCivic for the provision of community corrections/halfway houses.  He expressed optimism that the council will approve short-term or "wind-down" contracts with the private providers for transitional purposes.   

Greg Mauro, Director, Denver Community Corrections, discussed the number of people impacted by the city council decision and explained the formation and membership of a 13 member advisory group to help with the transition. 

Eric Williams, Deputy Director, Denver Department of Public Safety, made himself available for questions.

Dean Williams, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC), discussed current prison vacancy rates and the complications and staffing issue involved with opening the Centennial South Prison (CSP II) to house those offenders impacted by the Denver decision.  

Vance Roper, Joint Budget Committee Staff, discussed budgetary issues and the implications of the proposed short-term contracts with the private providers.  He emphasized staffing issues, as well as made points about the impact on the entire criminal justice system. 

The committee members asked the panel questions about the state's ability to contract directly with community corrections facilities instead of going through a local jurisdiction.  Discussion ensued about the authority of community corrections boards, zoning, and local procurement rules. 

Committee members inquired about wait lists for community corrections and direct referrals to other jurisdictions outside of Denver.  Discussion turned to the impact on the female population, projected to be particularly hard hit by the city council decision.  Further discussion was had about resentencing, and the complications and time involved with the redocketing or reprocessing of cases.  Questions were asked about the Office of the Denver District Attorney and Office of the State Public Defender involvement in the discussion.        

Committee discussion returned to zoning and land use.  Additional questions were asked about diversion sentencing and the role of judges.  Committee members and panelists noted that there are many unknowns as a result of the city council decision and stressed the need to find placement alternatives, other than sending offenders back to DOC.    

The committee and panel discussed Intensive Supervision Program-Inmate (ISPI) and low-level offenders. 

David Johnson, Deputy Director, Division of Adult Parole, DOC, joined the panel and answered questions about Geo and Corecivic contracts for ankle monitors.  Committee members explored the possibility of expanding existing community-based programs, such as Work and Gain Employment and Education Skills Programs (WAGEES).   Further discussion ensued about victims, community safety, staffing, and recidivism rates.  Committee members stressed the importance for the Denver City Council to work with counterparts at the state level.