Final 2008 Report From The Criminal and Juvenile Justice Commission

Letter from Commission Chair Peter Weir
The creation of the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice is an
acknowledgement of the need for fundamental public policy changes in Colorado’s
juvenile and criminal justice systems. Establishing the Commission to focus on this
need for change, while ensuring public safety, reflects the vision and the expectations
of Governor Ritter and the General Assembly.
The challenges facing Colorado are not unique. Many states are addressing similar
issues. In particular, recidivism rates continue to increase the size of our jail and
prison populations. We must reduce these rates without compromising public safety.
Research shows that the “return on investment” of each public safety dollar directed
to incarceration decreases in effectiveness as the prison population expands unless the
focus of incarceration is frequent and violent criminals.
Today, being tough on crime means we must be smarter about crime. The judicious
use of resources requires evidence-based data to drive decision-making. In this way,
criminal justice funds will be directed to programs and systems interventions that are
proven to work. For many offenders, this will result in breaking the revolving door of
our penitentiaries. This will also ensure adequate funding to appropriately target
frequent and violent offenders.
There are a myriad of challenges that experts contend contribute to criminal behavior.
Mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, lack of education, poor employment
skills, homelessness, transportation obstacles, and inadequate family support are but a
few of the factors that feed the criminal justice system. The Commission was formed
with the recognition that multidisciplinary approaches to these issues are essential.
Because of this, the Commission consists of experts with wide and varied
backgrounds......
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