DJP fights to shift power and reallocate resources toward accountability and community safety. Our policy work includes (1) advocating for policy that increases oversight, introduces alternatives, and reallocates resources to community care, (2) hosting public forums and candidate events to increase community engagement and expand awareness, and (3) mobilizing community voices in conversations about state-sanctioned violence.
We work towards systemic transformation by building relationships with public officials, government agencies, oversight bodies, and community coalitions to advocate for policies that reduce the harmful impact of the carceral state and expand community-centered approaches to public safety.
Independent Oversight of Law Enforcement
Denver Justice Project was one of the original groups advocating for the creation of the Support Team Assisted Response program in Denver, also known as the Denver (STAR) Program. STAR was specifically designed to remove police officers from emergency situations that involved a behavioral or mental health crisis, substance use disorder, or a person experiencing differing levels of homelessness. Because law enforcement officers are not equipped with the training, empathy, patience, or cultural proficiency required to successfully navigate, de-escalate and peacefully resolve these types of situations, they should be replaced by professionals who are specifically trained to assist people in crisis. Given the history of impunity afforded to heavily militarized and oftentimes violent police officers, there is an understandable barrier to building trust amongst vulnerable populations. DJP advocates for a community based, professional and compassionate response to people experiencing crisis and that is why STAR was created.
Forums with Candidates and Elected Officials
Public Awareness Campaign
Alternatives to Police Response
Denver Justice Project was one of the original groups advocating for the creation of the Support Team Assisted Response program in Denver, also known as the Denver (STAR) Program. STAR was specifically designed to remove police officers from emergency situations that involved a behavioral or mental health crisis, substance use disorder, or a person experiencing differing levels of homelessness. Because law enforcement officers are not equipped with the training, empathy, patience, or cultural proficiency required to successfully navigate, de-escalate and peacefully resolve these types of situations, they should be replaced by professionals who are specifically trained to assist people in crisis. Given the history of impunity afforded to heavily militarized and oftentimes violent police officers, there is an understandable barrier to building trust amongst vulnerable populations. DJP advocates for a community based, professional and compassionate response to people experiencing crisis and that is why STAR was created.
Strategic Community Partnerships
Denver Justice Project works in collaboration with The Denver Task Force to Reimagine Policing and Public Safety and has been an active participant in the task force since their inception. Our organizations are aligned in our missions and values. Like the Denver Justice Project, the Denver Task Force is also a nonprofit organization engaged in public elections and advocacy through a non-partisan and purely educational approach with a heavy focus on policing and public safety in Denver, Aurora, and Commerce City.
We collaborate strategically to promote our causes and bring attention to our missions through community events, organizational support and cosponsorship. The Denver Task Force to Reimagine Policing and Public Safety, with the help of over 40 community organizations has developed a list of 112 recommendations to create a comprehensive and sustainable community-based approach to policing and public safety.