2 October 2000

Dear Hill Neighborhood Association,

Since attending the neighborhood gathering at the Academy in September and the follow-up meeting, I have discussed the problems and possible solutions with Chief Beckner of the Boulder Police Department. We have agreed to a first step in helping the situation. We have designated an area that includes all of the Hill with specific boundaries. When we receive tickets involving drugs on the Hill, we will be making a condition of the defendant's sentence that they are not allowed to be within that designated area at all for the period of their sentence. We will also make it a condition of the sentence that their photo be made available in order to enforce the no contact provision.

I have sat down with all of the police agency chiefs to discuss their concerns and problems in each jurisdiction. We agree that we need to work together support each other in addressing the problems. If elected, I will be attending their monthly meetings as well as meeting with them individually.

Following a telephone conversation with a hill resident, I recommended to our charging department that we file felony Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor charges against hosts of parties that get out of hand and require police intervention. I also talked to Chief Beckner about that subject, as in the past, the police have issued misdemeanor tickets on the spot. The Hill riots and problems in your area have resulted in criminal charges. A felony deputy has been assigned to those cases which are felony charges. The misdemeanors are prosecuted by the county court deputy in the intake division at that time.

In addressing cases that arise on the Hill, we look at each case individually on its facts. We assess the strength of the evidence. We also look at the seriousness of the individual's offense and any criminal record that he/she might have. If the case involves an injury, we confer with the victim regarding his/her wishes with regard to the disposition of the case. The District Attorney's Office has traditionally been run on a tight budget with limited resources. My opponent's promise to assign a deputy full time to Hill crime may be feasible during some periods of time and totally impossible during others depending on the work load. We prosecute approximately 9000 cases per year with a staff of 26 prosecutors. I am interested in looking at the possible use of the Restorative Justice model to resolve some criminal activity on the Hill. That model brings together a community group to meet with the offender. They discuss specific impact issues and determine what the appropriate sentence should be, within legal guidelines.

I have attended meetings and listened carefully to the Hill neighbor concerns. I have begun a dialogue with law enforcement to address those concerns. I have taken steps to encourage the implementation of specific actions. I intend, if elected, to continue to listen, discuss and address the needs and concerns of the residents of our many communities. I am available and happy to respond to specific questions regarding these issues.

Sincerely,

Mary Keenan

Boulder County District Attorney  

Comments or Suggestions:  UHNA Executive Committee
                                                                                                            
Last edited:  24 October 2004