The critical mission of the Commission – to study and make recommendations that ensure public safety, respect the rights of crime victims, and reduce recidivism, and that are evidence based, cost-effective, and sensitive to disproportionate minority overrepresentation – requires ongoing effort. The need for collaboration among multidisciplinary stakeholders and subject matter experts to study complex issues and recommend improvements in the administration of justice has not diminished. §16-11.3-105, C.R.S., should be amended to extend the Commission beyond the statutory termination date of June 30, 2018.

This recommendation proposes the development of pilot programs for pre-file mental health diversion in judicial districts where the option or resources for the option may be lacking. The pilot will:

- Develop post-arrest, pre-file diversion programs specifically for individuals experiencing mental health disorders and who meet specific criteria and are determined able to benefit from diversion to treatment rather than being processed through the criminal justice system.

- Create pre-file mental health diversion programs that utilize a stakeholder-created, reviewed, and approved model [A proposed model may be found in Appendix A at the "Recommendation Text" link to the full recommendation.].

In addition, local officials should promote the utilization of Adult Pretrial Diversion Programs and funding as created by §18-1.3-101, C.R.S.