OP-Ed -- Engage the Public in Criminal Justice Issues

This in from Ft. Collins. Last year, CCJRC helped to educate voters on what building a new jail would cost the citizens of Larimer County. We still contend that there are no available beds for in-patient substance abuse treatment. Tackling that issue from a long term public safety perspective instead of just building a bigger jail would relieve some of the pressure. Another factor that hasn't been addressed is the need for significant bond reform.

The sheriff and county commissioners have been wrestling over a very real need in our community - jail beds. However, the issues are much broader than what may appear in newspaper headlines. Sheriff Jim Alderden is absolutely correct when pointing out the risk to deputies and inmates when a detention facility is under staffed. However, the commissioners are also correct in stating that this is not an uncommon problem state and nationwide and they must balance the needs of all requests that come to them with very limited financial resources.

The question isn't who is right or wrong or whose position is the most reasonable or enlightened, but rather, how does the community want to address public safety issues? If the jail is capped at 450 when the population is consistently more than 500, many who are now determined to be appropriately incarcerated will have to be released. Larimer County has instituted innovative programs such as pretrial release, work-enders, midweek work details and work release. These programs have been effective in reducing the jail population without significantly jeopardizing public safety.

Ft. Collins Coloradoan