For the first time in over a decade, Denver will elect a new district attorney. We must seize this opportunity to break from the past and move toward a modern criminal justice system.
Job No. 1 for the next DA is to keep our neighborhoods, businesses and schools safe — but our safety does not have to come at the cost of our values.
For too long we have tried the easy solutions — trying to arrest our way out of mental health problems, substance abuse and homelessness. The result has been devastating: Too many kids have a criminal record at an early age, and we have horrible racial disparities in our courtrooms, jails and prisons. We lock up the poor on $100 bonds while spending millions on death penalty trials.
Denver can do better by choosing a district attorney who is not part of the current system and is not afraid of working to make Denver a state and national leader in criminal justice reform. As the only candidate with significant experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney and working in a modern law firm, I will bring the balanced perspective necessary to implement the changes needed.
My top priority will be keeping our kids out of the system in the first place. I will partner with Denver Public Schools, community programs and organizations to increase the number of after-school programs and weekend activities, so our children have safe alternatives.
Next, I will expand the drug court model, to redouble efforts addressing underlying mental health and substance abuse issues, so we are treating the disease of addiction, not the symptoms.
I will work to build more public confidence and trust with the Denver Police Department and Denver Sheriff Department. The vast majority of officers are honest and hardworking, and one of the best things we can do for the good officers is hold those who violate the law accountable. In all cases involving excessive force, the public deserves more transparency about how charging decisions are made.
I will also aggressively prosecute those who possess or attempt to possess guns illegally, those who commit despicable assault and exploitation against the elderly, and increase efforts in prosecuting domestic violence and child abuse. These and other crime victims require strong leadership to help them through their most difficult times.
I ask you to join me in moving away from the past and toward a just future, because we all have a stake in Denver’s future.
Michael Carrigan is a University of Colorado regent.
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