FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2013 Contact: Stefanie Clarke Virgo Communications 303-941-4844

COLORADO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM COALITION TO HONOR MESA COUNTY PROGRAM ONE LESS Annual Award Recognizes Outstanding Criminal Justice Reform Initiatives
Denver, Colo.The Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (CCJRC) is proud to announce Mesa Countys One Less project as its 2013 Rupert-Tate Game Changer Award recipient. In 2012, CCJRC presented the inaugural Rupert-Tate Game Changer Award to Dorothy Rupert and Penfield Tate, the two former legislators for whom it is named. Their vision for criminal justice reform served as the impetus for the creation of CCJRC. The award is designed to honor innovators and leaders in criminal justice reform in Colorado. One Less, a pilot program funded by the National Institute of Corrections, fosters collaborative, evidence-based, decision making and practices in the local criminal justice system. Evidence-based decision making, or EBDM, is the practice of using research findings to inform or guide decisions across the justice system. This effort is grounded in two decades of research on the factors that contribute to criminal reoffending and the methods the justice system can employ to break the cycle of recidivism. The programs success is already evident in Mesa Countys reduction of its jail population, recidivism and incarceration costs. The work of One Less is heralded by local judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and law enforcement. According to Sheriff Stan Hilkey, "Mesa County's reform efforts in the criminal justice system represent a true paradigm shift. Using research on what works to reduce recidivism sounds so logical, yet our systems have not made this shift until now. Committing to the evidence-based practice of examining defendants through the lens of risk, needs, and response is the only thing that will reduce the size of the criminal justice system population. As we continue to implement these reforms here in Mesa County, our community is safer, and I am confident these efforts will lead the way for our state and country. -more-

In honoring One Less, CCJRC recognizes Mesa County as an innovator in new approaches to promoting public safety that can serve as a model for other Colorado communities. This is not the only example of where Mesa County has developed creative and effective criminal justice and public safety strategies. In 2007, Mesa County Commissioners approved funding for Summit View, a residential treatment center, in lieu of expanding the county jail, thus demonstrating their commitment to implementing effective alternatives to incarceration. The One Less projects integration of evidence-based practice in criminal justice follows in this tradition of building a culture of collaboration and focusing on what works to reduce crime and recidivism. In announcing the award, Christie Donner, executive director of CCJRC said, "The One Less project is an example of how people can come together and try and solve challenging and complex criminal justice system issues and also approach recidivism reduction from the perspective of providing people with tools and opportunities to be successful in their lives. Mesa County is a leader in Colorado, paving the way for more efficient, comprehensive, and research-based strategies for criminal justice policies and practices. The community is well-served by these innovations and the Executive Committee members of One Less deserve recognition and honor for their accomplishments." Speaking as a member of the One Less Executive Committee, Roberta Bert Nieslanik, Deputy Director of the Alternate Defense Counsel remarked,It is a real honor for One Less to be chosen by CCJRC for this award. As a criminal defense lawyer for nearly 30 years I have represented thousands of defendants and smarter sentencing is critical to reversing the trend of mass incarceration. Of all the players in the criminal justice system, CCJRC truly understands the key to reducing recidivism is the successful re-entry of defendants when they complete their sentence. Mesa Countys One Less program is proud to be a true partner with CCJRC in this effort. The award will be presented at CCJRCs fifth annual Voices for Justice fundraiser on Thursday, September 26th from 5:00pm to 9:30pm at Mile High Station, 2027 W. Lower Colfax Avenue in Denver. Early bird tickets for the event, which features dinner and silent and live auctions, are $60 until July 19th, after which they are $85 per person. Event sponsorship opportunities are available beginning at the $250 level. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ccjrc.org or by calling 303-825-0122. -more-

This years benefit will also pay tribute to two late leaders in Colorados criminal justice reform movement, Reverend Dr. Elaine Smith, co-f0under of Charitys House Ministries, and Colorado Department of Corrections Director, Tom Clements. About CCJRC For more than a decade, CCRJC has been a vital leader in advocating for alternatives to incarceration. The organization has been successful in reforming criminal justice policies at the state and local level with a priority on drug sentencing reform policy and parole/reentry. In recent years, the legislature has passed some meaningful criminal justice reform bills, the prison population is declining and the state has closed several prisons. The group also serves as a resource for people in prison and their families, publishes a re-entry guide called Getting On After Getting Out and works to end the use of private, for-profit prisons in Colorado. CCJRC has over 6,800 members statewide For more information, visit www.ccjrc.org. # # #