CDPS - Colorado Dept. of Public Safety

The Council discussed an upcoming conference and reviewed findings from a recent cost evaluation report concerning the financial sustainability of community corrections programs. Key areas of concern included the operational challenges faced by smaller and rural programs, with recommendations to adjust per diem rates and standardize financial data collection. Members advocated for a data-driven approach to highlight the long-term benefits of community corrections, such as reduced recidivism. A subcommittee was formed to draft a letter to the Joint Budget Committee based on the report findings, and plans were made to further analyze program outcomes and organize a training session regarding operational and legal guidelines.

The council discussed the fiscal year 2027 budget proposal and reviewed the findings of a cost evaluation report, which recommended per diem increases adjusted for inflation to sustain program operations. Key topics included performance metrics analysis for fiscal year 2025, the development of a formal letter to the Joint Budget Committee advocating for supplemental funding and preserved bed capacity, and long-term strategies for improving transitions from DOC facilities to community corrections.

The meeting included updates on personnel changes, noting two new District Attorney representatives and the departures of representatives from Littleton PD and Weld County Sheriff's office, with replacements expected in February. Statistical updates were provided for the Cold Case Database, totaling 1973 cases. Discussions covered ongoing work with the Cold Case Grant, including reviewing homicide cases for ViCAP entry, and efforts with the SAKI Grant through judicial meetings across the state, focusing on future FIGG eligibility. Plans were detailed for developing a one-day Cold Case Training Class for late spring/early summer and updates on the NamUs platform migration. The Missing Person Open House scheduled for November 20, 2025, was announced, alongside planning for the Colorado Missing Person Day on February 4, 2026. Updates were given on drafting a Unidentified Human Remains (UHR) Best Practices Protocol, slow progress on Lawfully Owed DNA data collection, and Forensic Services dashboards detailing turnaround times and outsourcing success for sexual assault kits. CODIS statistics for the third quarter were presented, covering samples received, profiled, and hits by crime type. Work continues on 25 Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) cases. Under New Business, the Missing Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) update showed the MIPA Alert as the most used alert since implementation in 2022. The Sunset Review Report recommended continuing the Cold Case Task Force until 2039. Presentations were given on the process of Facial Reconstruction by a Forensic Artist and the Role of Forensic Pathology in Cold Case Investigations, including retention times for various evidence types. The Open Forum segment featured a family member sharing a perspective on navigating an unsolved cold case investigation.

This strategy outlines Colorado's direction to ensure it remains a prepared, safe, and resilient state. It focuses on strengthening cybersecurity, protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing preparedness and response capabilities to reduce reliance on external funding, preventing targeted violence and terrorism, improving detection and response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) incidents, and safeguarding against infectious diseases. The overall vision is a prepared, safe, and resilient Colorado, capable of preventing, protecting, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from all hazards.

The meeting covered administrative items, including the posting of materials to the website. The committee discussed changes to the Cybersecurity Advisory Subcommittee (CAS) purpose statement, focusing on collaboration and community support. Feedback was provided on the Whole of State Cybersecurity Plan, including discussions on EDR deployment, governance, planning, and the use of a self-service portal. The Subcommittee approved the 1st year objectives in the Whole of State plan. Agenda items for the next meeting include a Purpose Statement Review, a Colorado Cybersecurity Insurance Presentation, a vCISO Overview, and a Grant Funding Discussion.