Who is the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition?

Our mission is to reverse the trend of mass incarceration in Colorado. We are a coalition of nearly 7,000 individual members and over 100 faith and community organizations who have united to stop perpetual prison expansion in Colorado through policy and sentence reform.

Our chief areas of interest include drug policy reform, women in prison, racial injustice, the impact of incarceration on children and families, the problems associated with re-entry and stopping the practice of using private prisons in our state.

If you would like to be involved please go to our website and become a member.


Tuesday, May 01, 2012

CCJRC Board Statement on Denver's Camping Ban






CCJRC Board Statement on Denver’s Camping Ban
4-16-12

Because the mission of CCJRC is to eliminate mass incarceration and the proposed “camping ban” ordinance for the City and County of Denver would make it illegal, and impose fines and/or jail time, for sleeping outside on public or private property anywhere in the city, resulting in the distinct possibility that many dozens or hundreds of otherwise innocent homeless men and women will end up in the Denver jail; and

Because the City of Denver does not have adequate emergency shelter, long-term housing or permanent supportive housing or the many services needed for the homeless such as mental health and health services or substance abuse treatment and creating an urban camping ban would criminalize survival activities for persons experiencing homelessness; and

Responding to these needs with arrests, jail time and fines will increase mass incarceration in Denver, decrease resources and opportunities for truly solving these issues, and penalize otherwise harmless men and women,

The CCJRC Board of Directors opposes the proposed “camping ban” and urges Denver Mayor Hancock and Denver City Council to reject this ordinance, re-assess the issues and possible solutions to the challenge of homelessness in Denver, and include the community in addressing this crisis effectively and compassionately.

Passed unanimously by the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition Board of Directors
April 19, 2012

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