Sentencing Commission Bill Hearing Today

Today in Denver, state lawmakers are poised to form a group to study criminal justice in Colorado, which many believe is a step to reducing prison populations and cutting crime.

But it's the criminal justice system, so naturally, there are opposing views about how to do it.

The Colorado Criminal and Juvenile Justice Commission would collect data about Colorado's prison population, examine the state's sentencing scheme, consider alternatives to incarceration, and make policy recommendations.

"It's time that Colorado got smart about crime," said state Rep. Terrance Carroll, D-Denver, the bill's sponsor. "It's easy for someone to say we're going to be tough on crime, but that doesn't require any thought. We have to be thoughtful on crime, smarter about how we deal with crime."

Greeley Tribune