Overall, results show evidence of disproportionality, meaning that more Hispanic and Black individuals were arrested than expected given the population. The reports also show some evidence of disparity at points of prosecutorial discretion throughout the criminal justice process.
Colorado is the first state in the country to have multiple prosecutors’ offices working together to provide this type of in-depth data. This bipartisan effort, rooted in a systems framework, helps District Attorneys’ Offices to identify and prioritize actions. “These new additions to our data dashboard project help bolster our ongoing commitment of being transparent, open, and honest with our community,” noted 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner. “We recognize the importance of monitoring disparities in the criminal justice system and increasing prosecutorial transparency and accountability. This project helps us identify potential disparities so we can take action in addressing them and ensure fair treatment for all victims and defendants.”
You can learn more about the Colorado Prosecutorial Dashboards project on our website or contact Dr. Lauren Gase.
Media Coverage
See media coverage about the new reports on racial and ethnic differences in prosecution processes.
- 9News – New report shows inequities in Colorado’s prosecutorial process
- Denver Post – Hispanic defendants in Colorado more likely to be incarcerated than white defendants, pioneering new study finds
- Boulder Daily Camera – Boulder County DA case study examines disparities in Black and Hispanic outcomes