Four years after the frenzy to defund police departments nationwide, Colorado voters approved Proposition 130, which allocated $350 million of the state’s budget to recruiting, training, and retaining law enforcement officers. The referendum passed with just under 53% of votes and will not increase residents’ taxes. Instead, funding will be diverted from other public services within the state’s general fund. The decision to support police departments came after record homicides in cities like Aurora and Colorado Springs, doubling homicide rates in Denver over the past decade, and infamous apartment building takeovers by the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua in Aurora.
Aurora City Council Member Danielle Jurinsky hailed Proposition 130 as a significant reversal from the defund the police movement, expressing strong support for law enforcement in Colorado. Joe Gamaldi, the national vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police, praised the funding as a positive step to show law enforcement that they are supported, funded, and equipped to carry out their duties. He criticized Denver’s decision to reduce police department spending by $8 million earlier in the year to accommodate the rising number of migrants arriving in the city, despite a drastic increase in the homicide rate over the past decade.
Critics of Proposition 130 argue that diverting money from the general fund will diminish funding for other public services. Kyle Giddings from the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition raised concerns about the equivalent of “6,000 teacher salaries” or the entire budget for affordable housing being diverted to law enforcement. However, Gamaldi emphasized the importance of public safety as a fundamental pillar for community functioning, stating that investments in law enforcement are essential for creating safe schools, thriving businesses, and functional communities. He highlighted the urgent need for funding to recruit new officers and retain experienced professionals amid record retirements and resignations in law enforcement nationwide.
While the funding allocation from Proposition 130 has yet to be determined, Alex Rose of the Wheat Ridge Police Department indicated that the initiative could be a valuable resource to incentivize and retain officers within the force. Though the department currently has an adequate number of officers, additional funding could establish a supportive environment for law enforcement careers. Rose emphasized the increasingly challenging nature of police work and the importance of creating a positive work environment for officers to continue keeping communities safe.
In addition to Proposition 130, Colorado voters also approved Proposition 128, which mandates that individuals convicted of violent offenses serve 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole. The electorate also restored state judges’ authority to revoke bail for defendants charged with first-degree murder, a power that was revoked when the state abolished the death penalty in 2020. This constitutional amendment allows judges to deny bail in cases where there is strong evidence indicating a person committed the crime. Despite Colorado’s ongoing political shift toward the left, Alex Rose noted that supporting law enforcement and ensuring community safety remains a top priority for the state’s residents.
Overall, the approval of Proposition 130 in Colorado signifies a significant shift in public sentiment towards law enforcement, particularly in the wake of rising crime rates and challenges facing police departments. The allocated funding aims to strengthen recruitment, training, and retention efforts for officers, addressing critical staffing shortages and ensuring the safety and well-being of communities in the state. Despite concerns about the diversion of funds from other public services, advocates emphasize the importance of prioritizing public safety as the foundation for a thriving and secure society.
