The city of Aurora, Colorado, is grappling with a surge in juvenile violent crime, a situation exacerbated by a 2021 state law that curtails juvenile detention.
The law, which has led to the release of violent teenagers from jail, has sparked concern among residents and law enforcement officials.
According to CBS Colorado, the law in question, Senate Bill 21-071, was signed into law by Democrat Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. The legislation reduced the limit on juvenile beds for detainees from 327 to 215 in 2021. As reported by the Colorado Division of Youth Services (DYS), Aurora saw a 42% increase in juvenile detentions for violent crimes in 2023, with around 50 juveniles detained daily on manslaughter and murder-related charges.
John Kellner, the 18th Judicial District Attorney, expressed his concern about the escalating situation. Its at crisis levels at this point, he said. Youth crime in our district, in our state, and certainly across the metro area is skyrocketing. Weve seen an increase of over 20% of juvenile filings just since 2021, but more importantly, seen an increase of 124% when it comes to juvenile homicide filings.
A recent incident involving Aurora Police responding to a report of a stolen vehicle underscores the severity of the issue. The incident escalated into a shootout, with four teenagers firing 20 shots at officers. The Aurora Police Department (APD) has charged the suspects with attempted murder, aggravated motor vehicle theft, and second-degree burglary.
Aurora Police Chief Mark Hildebrand highlighted the dangers officers face in such situations. Were seeing this so much, and part of the reason why its important to share this video is to show what our officers have to deal with, he said. On any night, on any call, they can be confronted with a situation just like this.
The DYS report revealed that 47.2% of juveniles detained in Aurora in 2023 were mandatory, repeat, violent or aggravated offenders. The number of unique juveniles booked for detention for homicide or manslaughter-related charges rose from 107 in 2021 to 2022 to 172 from 2022 to 2023.
Kellner expressed his frustration with the current system. It used to be well over 300 and it keeps getting cut and cut. Only 36 are allocated to the 18th Judicial District, and we occupy all 36 almost every day. That does not set us up for success. What that does is put at-risk youth back onto the streets, he said. Judges have to make a decision of which violent juvenile to release to stay underneath this arbitrary bed cap. If youre releasing other violent juveniles back into the community, theres a sense there isnt a consequence.
In response to the situation, Shelby Wieman, press secretary for Gov. Polis, told the Daily Caller News Foundation, As crime rates continue trending in the right direction, Colorado will continue looking for ways to make our state safer for everyone, including working with legislators, District Attorneys, local law enforcement and other stakeholders to make sure that the Division of Youth Services has the necessary resources to respond to our current needs, including increasing the juvenile bed cap if needed.
The Aurora Police Department has yet to respond to the DCNFs request for comment. The situation remains a pressing concern, with the city's residents and law enforcement grappling with the repercussions of the state law and the escalating juvenile crime rates.
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