By George Brauchler | Commentary, Denver Gazette
On Jan. 14, every district attorney in Colorado will take the oath of office and begin a four-year term of seeking justice and public safety consistent with the values of their individual jurisdiction and within the limitations of Colorado’s ever-weakening laws. For the first time in more than 60 years in Colorado, a new judicial district will come into existence, and with it, a brand new district attorney’s office. I am honored to have the opportunity and obligation to be the first DA to lead the new 23rd Judicial District.
This jurisdiction — comprising Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties — begins at a unique time and place in Colorado’s history.
Colorado is far from a “top 10 safest state,” as pledged by Gov. Jared Polis in 2022. Colorado has the 8th highest violent crime rate in America. After dipping to their lowest levels in 2013, violent crime rates now rival those of 1994 and 1995, shortly after Denver’s notorious “Summer of Violence.” After several years as our nation’s No. 1 state for auto theft, Colorado has improved — to the fourth worst. Overall, Colorado is the 4th worst state nationally for combined violent and property crime rates per the FBI.