A Fresh Start: Boulder County's New Approach to Sentencing

Boulder County has opened a new facility that looks and feels like a college dorm. It has bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and common areas. The goal is to make life better for people serving alternative sentences and to improve public safety. The facility is named after former Sheriff Joe Pelle, who worked hard to make this happen. He said it was an honor to serve a community that supports such initiatives. The center is a minimum-security facility. It doesn't have locked doors, but staff are always present. People staying here are either on work release or community corrections. These programs help people transition back into society. The facility is already open for day reporting and electronic monitoring. Starting in December, people will gradually move in. First, women on the waitlist will move in, followed by men. By mid-January, most people from the two halfway houses in Boulder County will be relocated here. The new center aims to reduce overcrowding at the Boulder County Jail. The jail is often full, sometimes housing women in the gym. The new facility should help ease this problem. The construction of the Joe Pelle Center cost about $38 million. Updates to the jail cost another $38 million. The county used a sales tax increase to fund these projects. The sales tax raised nearly $80 million, more than expected. The county is facing a budget deficit but plans to support the staffing commitments for the new center and jail expansion. The center will also receive some funding from the state. Officials hope the new environment and focus on mental health will reduce recidivism rates. They believe treating people with respect will help them respect others and succeed. NaNet Jenkins, whose son is currently in a halfway house, said seeing the new facility gave her hope. She believes it will make a big difference for her son and others.