Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has created a working group tasked with replacing the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, News From The States reports. Polis' executive order establishes the Working Group on Transforming Criminal and Juvenile Justice, which will “study evidence-based practices, conduct significant stakeholder outreach, and develop a recommendation on the formation of the future entity or entities by March 1, 2024.” The Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice advised the legislature on criminal justice policy for 15 years, but lawmakers closed it this year.
“This executive order brings together experts to help provide a path for the important work ahead and ensure that criminal and juvenile justice-related policies work to make Colorado safer and improve outcomes across the system,” Polis said Tom Raynes, executive director of the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council, will serve as a co-chair of the working group alongside a representative from the State Public Defender’s office. While Raynes opposed dissolving the CCJJ — and served as a long-time member — he is excited for the opportunity to “continue the concept of a multi-disciplinary group of experts that helps inform folks who work on criminal justice policy,” he said. Working group membership will include a county human services representative; a victim advocate; a crime victim, a former offender, a representative in the field of behavioral health or mental health, or a substance use disorder treatment provider; a representative of law enforcement; a person with criminal defense experience; and an academic specializing in criminal justice.