Public Safety

ACTIONS:

State Senator, District 16, Chris Kolker (term ending Jan. 2029, kolkerforcolorado.com)

HB24-1046 Child Welfare Tools strengthens the child welfare system by requiring mandatory reporters to include any evidence of domestic violence in their reports. There will be a better connection to vulnerable families to the resources and protection they need. Governor Polis signed: 05/28/2024

U.S. Representative, District 6, Jason Crow (term ending Jan. 2027, jasoncrowforcongress.com)

Rep. Crow while introducing H.B. 1280 George Floyd in Policing Act of 2021 the previous year did so by honoring Elijah Mc Clain.  The bill passed the House on 3/3/21, but did not advance in the Senate.

This bill addresses a wide range of policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability. It increases accountability for law enforcement misconduct, restricts the use of certain policing practices, enhances transparency and data collection, and establishes best practices and training requirements. 

The bill enhances existing enforcement mechanisms to remedy violations by law enforcement. Among other things, it does the following: 

-       lowers the criminal intent standard—from willful to knowing or reckless—to convict a law enforcement officer for misconduct in a federal prosecution,

-       limits qualified immunity as a defense to liability in a private civil action against a law enforcement officer, and

-        grants administrative subpoena power to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in pattern-or-practice investigations.

It establishes a framework to prevent and remedy racial profiling by law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels. It also limits the unnecessary use of force and restricts the use of no-knock warrants, chokeholds, and carotid holds.

The bill creates a national registry—the National Police Misconduct Registry—to compile data on complaints and records of police misconduct. It also establishes new reporting requirements, including on the use of force, officer misconduct, and routine policing practices (e.g., stops and searches).

Finally, it directs DOJ to create uniform accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies and requires law enforcement officers to complete training on racial profiling, implicit bias, and the duty to intervene when another officer uses excessive force.

Colorado Attorney General, Phil Weiser (term ending Jan. 2027, coag.gov)

Criminal Justice Reform

Colorado can lead the country in improving its criminal justice system by prioritizing threats to public safety according to risk, acting in a humane and data-driven manner, and working collaboratively to protect victims and protect public safety.

To the extent we can, we should work to reduce the level of incarceration in Colorado. We must expand and further develop sound and effective alternatives to incarceration where appropriate, including drug treatment and diversion programs (particularly for non-violent and youth offenders that do not pose threats to public safety). In addition to advocating for and supporting such programs, the Department supports cash bail reform to ensure that people charged with a crime are detained pre-trial only if they pose a risk to the public.

The Department of Law’s commitment to supporting public safety includes working in partnership with district attorneys, sheriffs, and chiefs of police on a number of fronts.

  • The Special Prosecutions Unit provides valuable expertise and assistance on complex cases, particularly to rural jurisdictions, on a range of matters, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, sexual assaults, and homicides.

  • The Criminal Appeals Section coordinates with district attorney offices on appeals and provides legal guidance on complex matters.

  • The Department of Law leads on important white collar crime prosecution, including health care fraud, securities fraud, insurance fraud, and environmental crime.

Finally, the Department of Law partners with communities to build better practices in law enforcement. Our Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program provides a national model on training and guiding law enforcement.  And our Safe2Tell program collects threats to students—whether planned school shootings, threats of suicide, or bullying and harassment—and enables anonymous tips to be acted upon with the goal of preventing harm to Colorado’s youth.

Arapahoe District Attorney, 18th Judicial District, Amy Padden (term ending Jan. 2029, amypadden.com)

Review Amy’s website as shown here in About for her extensive experience in Public Justice.

City of Centenial (centennialco.gov)

The City has contracted with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) for law enforcement services since the City’s incorporation in 2001. Over the years, the sheriff’s office has implemented a variety of innovative measures to ensure the challenges associated with providing top-tier public safety services are effectively met while maintaining community trust.

POSITIONS:

Arapahoe District Attorney, 18th Judicial District, Amy Padden (term ending Jan. 2029, amypadden.com)

In Amy’s website in Issues check out “Protecting our Rights and Liberties” and “Community Safety”.

State House of Representatives, District 37 (HD37), Chad Clifford (term ending Jan. 2027, chadforcolorado.com)

As someone who proudly serves as a police officer for departments all over our state, I am uniquely positioned to understand and advocate for the critical role law enforcement plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities. Policing, at its core, is a service dedicated to protecting the fundamental rights and security of every resident. I recognize the significance of building trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community we serve.

My experience informs my commitment to advancing progressive policies that prioritize community-oriented policing, transparency, and accountability.  I believe in fostering an environment where law enforcement agencies work hand-in-hand with residents to address the unique needs of our diverse communities.  By investing in comprehensive training programs, supporting mental health initiatives, and promoting fair and just policing practices, we can create a law enforcement system in Colorado that is not only effective but also respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.

I am dedicated to ensuring that our state's law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to carry out their duties effectively. This includes advocating for fair compensation, access to cutting-edge technology, and support for programs that strengthen the relationship between police officers and the communities they serve.

Together, we can build a safer and more inclusive state where law enforcement is a partner in fostering a just and equitable society.