Date: 10/29/2015

Final
Discussion of Advisory Task Force Vacancies

TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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02:09 PM -- Discussion of Advisory Task Force Vacancies

Ms. Walton discussed the existing task force vacancies. A list of the current task force members and vacancies was distributed (Attachment C). She discussed the current vacancy for the Division of Parole in the Department of Corrections. Amanda King, Legislative Council Staff, provided an update on the status of that vacancy. Senator Martinez Humenik discussed the importance of task force members attending the task force meetings. Ms. Walton discussed the local law enforcement vacancies, and stated that Commander Tom DeLuca from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and Chris Johnson from the County Sheriffs of Colorado have expressed interest as possible appointees. Commander DeLuca's resume was distributed (Attachment D). Senator Martinez Humenik suggested additional people for the local law enforcement vacancies, including Jim Alderman, retired Larimer County Sheriff; Loveland Police Chief Luke Hecker; and Delta County Sheriff Fred McKee. Ms. Walton discussed the possible appointment of Jagruti Shah to represent the Division of Behavioral Health in the Department of Human Services. Ms. Walton discussed the possible resignation of Michele Manchester from the task force, which would result in a vacancy for the representative for the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo.

15MICJS1029AttachC.pdf15MICJS1029AttachC.pdf 15MICJS1029AttachD.pdf15MICJS1029AttachD.pdf

02:15 PM

Ms. Walton discussed the pending appointment of Cynthia Kowert to represent the Colorado Attorney General's Office. Ms. Kowert expressed her interest in being appointed to the task force and discussed her professional experience. Ms. Kowert's recommendation letter and resume were distributed (Attachment E).

15MICJS1029AttachE.pdf15MICJS1029AttachE.pdf

02:19 PM

There was discussion about the appointment process. Ms. King provided information about the the pending appointment of Ms. Shah and the statutory qualification for the local law enforcement representative. Ms. Walton further discussed the local law enforcement candidates. Ms. Walton discussed the resignation of District Attorney Dave Young, who had been the representative of the district attorneys in the state. She discussed Pat Coyle, who represents a person with knowledge of public benefits and public housing within the state, and continues to be absent from task force meetings. Ms. Walton discussed the vacancy for a public member who has an adult family member who has mental illness and has been involved in the criminal justice system. Ms. Walton discussed the potential resignation of Pat Teegarden, who represents the Department of Labor and Employment. She discussed the resignation of Brenidy Rice, who represented the Judicial Department. Ms. King clarified that the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court makes the appointments for the representative from the Judicial Department.


02:23 PM

Senator Martinez Humenik clarified the statutory qualification for the member representing the district attorneys within the state. She announced that Commander DeLuca and Ms. Kowert would be appointed to the task force. She asked for resumes and recommendation letters for the remaining potential candidates before their appointments would be made.


02:28 PM

Senator Martinez Humenik discussed the staffing for the task force. Ms. Walton stated that Hannah Tochtrop from Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will be providing staff support to the task force. There was discussion about the collaborative relationship between the task force and committee.