By Scott Weiser | Colorado Politics
A recently released report issued in support of Colorado Ballot Initiative 157 shows a correlation between police departments that suffer under-staffing issues and higher crime rates.
The Common Sense Institute, a Denver free-enterprise research organization, released a report Tuesday on Ballot Initiative 157 — which asks voters to approve appropriation of $350 million to fund police recruitment, training, and support for police officers and their families.
A change in state policy and funding aimed more towards prioritizing civilian roles within police departments and regulating policing strategies has reduced the number of police with arrest powers on the streets, according to the report.