(1) (a) The division of local
government shall contract with a nationally recognized research and consulting
entity that is an expert in data-driven, evidence-based policing that is community-focused for an independent study to assess and provide a report and findings on
evidenced-based policing national best practices in defined areas of study. The
consulting entity shall complete an interim study no later than December 30, 2021,
and the final study no later than July 1, 2022. The study shall determine evidence-based best practices in the following areas to promote greater policing fairness,
equity, and effectiveness:
(I) Use of force strategies, standards, and training that value the sanctity of
human life, promote de-escalation tactics, provide clarity for officers, protect
communities, and minimize harm to offenders;
(II) Crime and community harm reduction strategies that include problem
analysis of high-risk people and places, considering racial and ethnic bias in
policing with a focus on prevention while improving safety and police-community
interactions;
(III) Initiatives to safely increase community response for lower-level
offenses and calls for service;
(IV) Strategies to effectively move law enforcement and the community
forward together by building a shared understanding and identifying common
solutions to better protect our vulnerable and underrepresented communities, in
addition to those suffering from mental illness or experiencing homelessness
through non-traditional policing methodologies;
(V) Methods to enhance officer receptivity to engage in evidence-based
policing practices that involve harm reduction and reduce reliance on traditional
justice system resources and processes;
(VI) Innovative approaches to officer mental health, recruitment, and
retention to address trauma and ensure officer preparedness for community
engagement; and
(VII) Analysis of recruitment and qualification standards for entry-level
police officer positions to attract candidate pools with diverse perspectives and
ongoing training and qualification requirements to enhance officers' willingness to
engage in justice strategies embracing community collaboration while also
decreasing and identifying signs of problematic behaviors.
(b) The consulting entity may consult with and seek input from:
(I) National organizations of social and civil justice;
(II) Colorado district attorneys and the Colorado district attorneys' council;
(III) A statewide organization representing municipalities;
(IV) A statewide organization representing counties;
(V) National organizations representing law enforcement;
(VI) National organizations representing local governments; and
(VII) Any other entities or organizations the consulting entity determines are
necessary.
(c) (I) The division shall relay any refined scope of work to the consulting
entity and the recommended research entities from the advisory committee as
described in subsection (2) of this section.
(II) The division shall develop a request for proposal to contract with the
consulting entity, award the contract for the study described in subsection (1)(a) of
this section, and oversee the fulfillment of the contract terms. The division shall
award the contract no later than thirty days after the final appointment to the
advisory committee.
(III) The division shall provide the consulting entity's interim and final study
findings to the house of representatives judiciary committee and the senate
judiciary committee, or their successor committees.
(2) (a) The division shall convene an advisory committee for the study. The
advisory committee shall consist of:
(I) The following members appointed by the president of the senate:
(A) A representative from a non-profit that is an advocate for policing reform
and civil liberties;
(B) A representative from a community-based criminal justice organization;
(C) An individual negatively impacted by the criminal justice system or law
enforcement;
(D) A representative who advocates for juvenile justice; and
(E) One member of the senate;
(II) The following representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of
representatives:
(A) A representative of the county sheriffs recommended by the director of a
statewide organization representing sheriffs;
(B) A representative of the chiefs of police recommended by the president of
a statewide organization representing the chiefs of police;
(C) A representative of police officers recommended by the president of a
statewide organization representing police officers; and
(D) A member of the house of representatives;
(III) The executive director of the department of public safety, or his or her
designee;
(IV) One member of the senate appointed by the senate minority leader; and
(V) One member of the house of representatives by the house minority
leader.
(b) The appointing authorities shall appoint the members of the advisory
committee no later than ten days after July 6, 2021.
(c) The advisory committee shall submit to the division the names of three
research or study organizations well versed in data-driven policing that they
recommend be requested to submit proposals to conduct the study no later than
ten days after the final appointment to the advisory committee.
(d) The advisory committee may refine the scope of the work of the study if
necessary. The consulting authority shall provide periodic updates from the study
organization over the course of the study on the progress and interim findings. The
advisory committee may respond to the periodic updates as requested by the
consulting authority.
(e) Once the interim study and final study is completed, the consulting entity
shall provide the division with its findings. The division shall provide the advisory
committee with the interim and final study findings. The advisory committee shall
review the findings and determine whether to recommend legislative action, make
internal policy recommendations to law enforcement entities, and any other actions
it deems appropriate.