In a recent Denver City Health and Safety meeting, officials expressed deep concerns about the ongoing lack of capacity in community corrections facilities, a situation that has persisted since 2019. The discussion highlighted the plight of individuals who remain incarcerated when they could be transitioning to community-based programs.

One council member pointed out that, since July 2019, the city has seen a significant decline in available beds, particularly in Southwest Denver, which once housed three community corrections facilities. The closure of two key programs at Fort Logan has exacerbated the issue, leaving many without the necessary support to reintegrate into society.

The council member emphasized the urgency of addressing this gap, questioning the timeline for restoring capacity to pre-2019 levels. The response from city officials acknowledged the complexity of the situation, citing challenges in identifying suitable properties, securing funding, and navigating zoning requirements. They noted that the pandemic further complicated efforts to rebuild the system.

Plans are in motion to renovate a city-owned facility at Dahlia Street, which is expected to help alleviate some of the pressure. However, officials cautioned that the timeline for significant improvements remains uncertain, with the hope that community corrections will soon be prioritized to prevent individuals from languishing in jail while awaiting appropriate programs.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the matter lingered in the air, leaving many to wonder how long it will take to restore a system that supports rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.