i_jailfunding_2017a_2017-07-17t13:00:14z6 Hearing Summary

Date: 07/17/2017

Location: SCR 352

04:23 PM -- State Prisoners in County Jails



Travis Trani, Director of Prisons, Colorado Department of Corrections, discussed the role of DOC in jail overcrowding. He explained that state inmates are generally in county jails because of parole violations or awaiting transfer to prison. He relayed that he recently met with county sheriffs to find ways to alleviate this problem. In response, he explained that the DOC is relying upon temporary fixes such as adding beds to various facilities along with procuring sled beds. He answered questions from the committee about private prisons and staffing costs, reimbursement rate to counties, reimbursement rates in other states, and rehabilitation programs. Discussion ensued about the reimbursement rate and why it does not reflect actual jail operating costs.





04:40 PM



Scott Dauffenbach, Assistant Director of Offender Services, Colorado Department of Corrections, discussed the prison intake process. He explained the factors influencing jail bed occupation by DOC inmates, including availability, offender movement delays, and county transport issues. Mr. Dauffenbach also emphasized that DOC works with counties to prioritize state inmates with severe health or behavioral management issues. He answered questions from the committee about available medical resources and cost for state prisoners, community corrections, and parole violations.