Four years after a frenzy to defund police departments nationwide, Colorado voters approved a ballot referendum that earmarked $350 million of the state’s budget to recruiting, training, and retaining law enforcement officers. Proposition 130 passed with just less than 53% of the votes and will not raise residents’ taxes. Instead, funding for the initiative will be pulled from other public services within the state’s general fund. The win for the state’s police departments comes after cities like Aurora and Colorado Springs saw record homicides in 2022, Denver witnessed a doubling of homicide rates in the last decade, and apartment building takeovers by the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua in Aurora made national headlines.
Aurora City Council Member Danielle Jurinsky expressed her support for Proposition 130, calling it a significant comeback from the defund the police movement. Joe Gamaldi, the national vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police, also praised the funding as a positive step to show law enforcement that they have the necessary support and resources to do their jobs effectively. Gamaldi criticized Denver’s decision to cut $8 million from its police department spending earlier in the year. Critics of the funding initiative have raised concerns that the money taken from the general fund will strip funding from other public services. However, Gamaldi emphasized the importance of public safety as the foundation for all community functions and the need to invest in law enforcement to recruit and retain experienced officers.
Alex Rose, public information officer for the police department in Wheat Ridge, highlighted the potential benefits of the additional funding for law enforcement in Colorado. While the funding allocation has yet to be determined, Rose mentioned that it could incentivize officers to stay long-term and improve their career growth opportunities. Proposition 130 was one of several measures on the ballot geared towards law enforcement. Colorado voters also approved Proposition 128, requiring individuals convicted of violent offenses to serve 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Additionally, judges regained the authority to revoke bail for defendants charged with first-degree murder.
Although Colorado’s electorate continues to lean towards the left politically, the support for law enforcement and community safety remains strong. Rose emphasized the importance of creating a positive work environment for police officers, especially given the challenges and risks associated with the job. The passing of Proposition 130 and related measures reflects a shift towards prioritizing public safety and law enforcement in the state. The funding initiative aims to address staffing shortages, retain experienced officers, and provide resources necessary for effective policing.
Overall, the approval of Proposition 130 signifies a significant investment in law enforcement in Colorado, addressing concerns around defunding police departments and ensuring public safety. By allocating $350 million to recruit, train, and retain officers, the state aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its police forces. Despite criticisms regarding the funding sources and potential impacts on other public services, proponents emphasize the fundamental role of public safety in supporting community functions and ensuring a safe environment for residents. With additional measures such as Proposition 128 also passing, Colorado voters have shown strong support for law enforcement and measures to enhance community safety.
