Colorado lawmakers have made changes to a bill that would require staff in the state’s juvenile detention centers to wear body-worn cameras while interacting with youth. This comes after a Denver Post investigation revealed allegations of excessive force by staff in these facilities. The pilot program will be implemented from 2026 to 2028, with the Department of Human Services evaluating its effectiveness.
The revised bill also removed a request to increase the number of beds available for youth awaiting trial, instead creating 39 emergency beds that wouldn’t count towards the total bed cap. Prosecutors had initially requested a higher cap due to concerns about violent youth offenders being released due to lack of space.
Juvenile justice advocates have applauded the changes to the bill, calling it a step in the right direction. The legislation now moves to the House Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
Stephanie Villafuerte, the state’s child protection ombudsman, expressed support for the amendment, stating that the use of body cameras will increase safety for both youth and staff in juvenile detention. The revised bill aims to address concerns raised by the investigation and improve conditions in the state’s youth facilities.
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Photo credit www.denverpost.com
