Rate of Incarceration Continues to Soar

(5/14/2008)

* As of January 31, 2006, there were 28,243 people under the jurisdiction of the
Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC): 18,429 in state and private prisons,
2,407 in community corrections, 496 in jail awaiting transfer to DOC, 267
escapes/walkaway and 6,644 on parole. The prison population has increased 604%
since 1980. During the same time, the population of the state increased 59%.
Sources: Colorado Dept. of Corrections,¡§Monthly Population Report,¡¨ as of
January 31, 2006; Census Data

* The prison population is currently growing by just under 100 people per month.
Source: Colorado Department of Corrections, ¡§Adult Inmate Jurisdictional Population¡¨ as of February 7, 2006

* The state currently operates 24 prisons and contracts with private prison operators for 6 more prisons. Since 1990, the state has built 12 new state prisons. All 6 private prisons used by the DOC were constructed since 1993. One new state prison (Colorado State Penitentiary II) and one new private prison (Pueblo) are currently under construction. Additionally, the state will need to add an additional 8,000 prison beds by 2011 to keep pace with the population growth.

Sources: Colorado Dept. of Corrections, Statistical Report for Fiscal Year 2004, by Kristi Rosten (2005); Joint Budget Committee, FY 2006-2007 Staff Budget Briefing, Department of Corrections, (1/3/06)

Editor's Note: The Department of Correction report does not include the large and growing numbers of children held in state youth corrections centers. Shekinah Ministries recently developed plans to increase its youth intervention programs. As more and more moms and dads are placed behind bars, we are seeing evidence that their children are also turning to lives of crime. There is much to do. It is far cheaper to intervene than to incarcerate these youngsters, and we are praying for donors who share our vision and are willing to join us in this work.