Denver faces a growing youth violence issue, both within our schools and our communities. As a strong supporter of the Denver Public Schools, this issue isn’t just another talking point for me – it’s personal. Our three kids graduated from the Denver Public Schools, and for years, I’ve been coaching kids in the Constitutional Law Program at Denver’s East High School. I am committed to collaborating proactively with DPS, other schools, and the broader community. We must ensure that our young people have meaningful resources and support so that they don’t get pulled into a culture of violence. My plan prioritizes forming solid partnerships with mental health organizations and other support services that help students. By promoting education and measures to limit the availability of guns to young people, we'll address the root causes of youth violence head-on. With this approach, we can keep our kids safe, and avoid the school to prison pipeline.

Here’s what that means:

• We should focus on youth development programs that give young people opportunities to grow – not just diversion programs for when they get caught up in the criminal justice system.  After I take office, I will work with the City, DPS and other stakeholders to hold a youth summit focused on that approach.

• Law enforcement and school resources officers should develop real relationships with their schools and students, and the DA’s office should collaborate to join that effort.

• The DA’s office can take a leading role in fostering a collaborative approach to youth violence, bringing together city agencies, law enforcement, the community and young people – along with the DA’s office – to ensure that all our efforts are working together to address youth violence issues, and to avoid getting stuck in bureaucratic “silos.”  

Under my leadership, the DA's office will always remain firm yet fair in its approach on youth violence – and I believe in the power of prevention and community partnership. As your DA, our strategies will prioritize prevention, blending law enforcement measures to protect our kids with proactive measures. Everyone has a part to play in keeping our kids safe.