Local Denver area organizations will host a free forum, “Denver’s Jail Over-Crowding Crisis: How Poverty, Politics and Racism Are Filling Our Jails” on December 13th, 5-6:30pm at the Sie Film Center, 2510 East Colfax, Denver, CO 80206. A film following the discussion, “Do Not Resist” will begin at 7pm, tickets for film only are $11.
Denver disproportionally incarcerates Blacks, Latinos and Native Americans at a much higher rate than is reflected in the general population, yet there is no official plan by city leaders to reduce racial disparities or alleviate the dangerous over-crowding conditions that is putting incarcerated people and jail staff at risk. Two and a half years after Denver’s jail reform effort began, and one year after appointing a new Sheriff, the people have yet to see results to justify an expanded public safety budget.
Amid a hostile national political climate toward people of color and women’s equity, dehumanization of immigrants and Muslims, acceleration of police militarization, erosion of civil rights protections, and the failure to strike slavery from the state constitution, public engagement and government accountability is needed now more than ever.
This event kicks-off a series of truth and transparency sessions to get answers about Denver’s mass incarceration crisis and the failure of public leaders to decrease the rapidly rising jail population, expand programs and services, and improve safety conditions within the state’s largest jail system. Community members and subject matter experts will discuss why the system is so broken and create an urgent policy platform to demand action from local and state policymakers to avert the next tragedy within Denver’s jails.
Partner Organizations include: Colorado Latino Forum, Denver Chapter, Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, Committee for City and Airport Fairness, Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance, NAACP Denver Branch, NEWSED, and Shorter Community AME Church.
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