What is community corrections?
Community corrections is an alternative to serving a sentence in jail or prison. It also provides a streamlined re-entry process for selected inmates from the Colorado Department of Corrections. This method was created by the state legislature to allow people to work while serving their sentence.
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What is ComCor, inc.?
ComCor is a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. There is no private ownership involved. The agency is authorized to provide community corrections services for the federal government, the state of Colorado and El Paso County. There are several programs:
- Work Release for Municipal Court sentences
- Diversion for people with sentences that could be converted to prison time
- Transition for inmates from the Colorado Department of Corrections who are coming back into the community
- Residential detention and day reporting for those who have been allowed to live at home, but with many restrictions
There are other smaller programs and special groups that are not permitted to leave grounds for a while. These are DOC programs, and you will know before you get here if you are in one of those groups.
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How does a person get into community corrections?
People in these programs have been convicted of an offense. The judge (or DOC) has allowed participation in community corrections instead of being locked up. In most cases a person can get specific advice from his or her attorney as to the possibility of being sentenced to ComCor. This is a privilege preferable to jail or prison. An individual can work and be involved in activities such as classes and treatment.
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What happens when a client reports?
The client reads and fills out numerous forms. All these are necessary in order to fulfill the requirements of a community corrections opportunity. Everybody goes through the same process. You will be introduced to your case manager, who is responsible for helping you successfully complete the sentence.
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What is community living like?
 Rooms are shared with several people who are in the same situation. Everyone is expected to help keep the room clean. There is an one-time charge for bedding. Each person is required to keep his or her clothing and linen clean. You will work and spend spare time in a reasonably ordinary manner. It is important to remember that no drinking, drug use or other kinds of inappropriate behavior are permitted. Each person is given a list of common sense do’s and don’ts. If one pays attention to these simple rules, you will do just fine.
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How about meals?
 A dining hall provides meals designed by a licensed dietician. The hours of operation are 4:30 to 7 a.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekends are 4:30 to 7 a.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m. For those who cannot eat during those times, late meals are provided when a client checks in. A microwave and refrigerator are available. A client may bring in food, but perishable items must be eaten that day. A few canned drinks and nonperishable products may be kept in the room so long as they are in a sealed container. Special diets for medical or religious reasons are OK.
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Medical services
Staff are all certified in CPR and first aid. There are also medical personnel on duty or on-call 24/7. If you need to go to the hospital, we will call emergency responders or provide transport. We also have an arrangement with a community health center that will provide reduced-cost medical and dental services. This service is by appointment only. Each person is responsible for his or her own medical expenses. Prescriptions are filled through Ivywild Pharmacy. The pharmacy will package and deliver medications, usually at a price that is slightly lower than usual. Medications are stored in the tech office and will be made available according to prescription. For colds, headaches and other common complaints, each facility has over-the-counter remedies available.
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Court-ordered classes and therapy
It is recommended that these requirements should be started right away. The courts do not like it if their orders are not taken seriously. A case manager will assist in getting each client into the proper groups.
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What is the cost?
Costs vary depending upon which program an individual is in. The fees are fixed and are the same for each program participant. The idea behind the legislation that created community corrections was to cause each offender to pay for some of his own subsistence. If a person does not pay their fees, it is likely that they will be returned to custody. It is nothing personal; that is just what is required. This arrangement should be clearly understood before an offender accepts a community corrections sentence.
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What about transportation?
For the most part, you will need to make your own arrangements. It is mostly by walking, getting a ride or, in some cases, receiving driving privileges. The bus system from the north end is good and there are stops close by all of the facilities. Maps and schedules are available.
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How about passes or something similar?
This is a tough question because not everybody is eligible. However, for most folks it is possible to get some personal time and leave the facility in order to see family and friends. A Case Manager will guide clients in this matter. It is always possible to see attorneys, court officers, doctors, therapists and other professionals involved in a client’s legal situation or health care.
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How about visitors?
A client can have visitors. There are two restrictions: restraining orders, or if the visitor is under 18 and not with an adult. Only three visitors are permitted at any one time because of space and parking limitations. Visiting hours are 12 noon till 4 and 7 p.m. till 9. One visit is permitted Monday through Thursday and one visit Friday through Sunday. Professionals such as attorneys or probation officers may visit any time.
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How about good time?
This is calculated differently, depending upon which program you are in, and the Judicial District in which you were convicted. For example, Colorado Revised Statutes allow for 1 day of “good time” for every 15 days in a Work Release sentence, while Diversion clients are eligible for up to 10 days a month. A person can lose all or some of those days if they violate the conditions of their sentence or contract.
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When is a person released?
Again, a release date is calculated differently depending upon the program and type of sentence a person has. Some sentences, such as a Work Release sentence, have a finite number of days the person is to serve, and a release date is calculated as soon as the person enters the program. In other programs, like the Diversion program, the person is allowed the opportunity to earn additional time off of their sentence each month, so their release date will change based upon their successful compliance with their program. Still others, like those in the Transition program, have to wait until their release is approved by the Parole Board.
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What is residential detention?
Some people don’t have to live on the premises. The Judge allows them to serve a restricted sentence while living at home. Usually, they are subject to close monitoring by wearing a bracelet, usually around the ankle, and it may also include blowing into machines and looking into a scope that measures the eyes. All of those techniques determine where a person is, and if they have been drinking or using drugs.
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What is sleeptime, PassPoint, GPS and all those other gadgets?
 Modern technology is amazing. Global Positioning (GPS) tells a computer where one is all the time. PassPoint is a machine that checks the eyes and determines possible use of drugs. Sleep time is a little device a person wears that measures sleep patterns. Alcohol and other substances change the way an individual tosses around at night.
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Why all the rules and regulations?
This is an alternative to being locked up. The rules and regulations tell an offender what they should and should not do. While some of the rules may seem silly, there is nothing in there that is surprising, and they are all written with the idea of keeping everyone at the facility safe and accountable. They are just plain old common sense, and if one follows them, they will have no trouble making it through the program.
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How is it possible to get sent back to jail or prison?
Everyone sentenced to community corrections already knows the answer to this one. Just follow the rules (see above) and everything will be OK. The most common problems are: escape (yes, it is a correctional facility), using drugs or alcohol, not keeping current on subsistence fees and just plain poor behavior. There is really nothing to worry about since each person can do fine. It is, as you know, up to the individual.
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What happens to property?
When a person completes his sentence, he is discharged. Property goes with the individual. If an offender is returned to a custodial facility (for whatever reason), property is released to the person who is designated at the time of intake. If it is not picked up within 30 days, most of it will go to one of the charitable outlets (like Goodwill or ESM). If it is not useable, it is disposed of. It’s important to remember that ComCor is NOT liable for any personal property brought on grounds, so be careful in selecting what property you bring with you!
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What is available for mental health and social services?
We have mental health clinicians who are available to all clients. They are very good at what they do. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these services when faced with difficult life circumstances. There is also a strong relationship with various community social service agencies that may be able to help. We ask that clients let their case manager know what is going on, and they will be connected with the proper assistance.
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What does a case manager do?
Most everything except pay a client’s bills. The case manager is there for the individual and really likes to see a person succeed. A client is required to see the case manager often (by scheduled appointments). It is important to be honest with the case manager. Chances are, he or she can help. As you might expect, people sometimes don’t like the answers they get, but the case manager is working to get people through the programs. If clients will listen to them, it is possible to get through this without a problem.
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Confidentiality and privacy concerns
When people are serving sentences, they do not have the same level of privacy they would have at home. Clients and visitors are subject to unannounced personal and property searches. For those who live here or are on some sort of nonresidential status, there will be constant drug and alcohol tests. Yes, they will occur at all times of the day or night. It doesn’t take long, but it is a necessary inconvenience. It is not good to test positive if one intends to successfully complete a sentence. You already know that. A case cannot be discussed with parents or friends without written permission. Sometimes, a mother, father or spouse will call a case manager and want to talk about a client. That won’t happen unless proper arrangements have been made. However, people in the criminal justice system (police, district attorney, judge, etc.) can discuss a case most anytime with ComCor staff. That’s the law!
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What about child support, home expenses and court orders?
It is necessary to take care of all of that, of course. A part of almost every Community Corrections program involves the ability to work. However, along with this privilege goes the responsibility that you are then also expected to pay for some of your own upkeep, also referred to as subsistence fees. In addition, you may have additional expenses such as restitution, court costs and fines, child support, or probation supervision fees. Your Case Manager can assist you in figuring out a budget. Generally, it will be tight financially, but talk with someone before it gets out of hand. The Court will sometimes allow an offender to set up a payment plan for assessed fines and restitution, and there is an office in the Court House that works with that. We will see that you get to the right place.
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Can we make payments?
You are expected to pay your fees each week unless you have made other arrangements with the Correctional Supervisor. It is important to keep current on this. If you are between jobs, we will try to work with you. Remember, a person is here because they want to be, and that carries some responsibilities.
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What about center jobs and kitchen duty?
Those things go along with being granted a sentence like this. Everybody is required to do some jobs around the facility or kitchen from time to time. As you know, it is also necessary to keep living space clean. If an individual is penalized for a rule violation, it is likely that part of the penalty is doing things around grounds. This is true in any correctional institution. That is just the way it is, but it is not a big burden unless a client chooses to create one.
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Is driving permitted?
Yes, but ONLY if driving authorization has been pre-approved by the assigned Case Manager and Program Manager. This will require a valid driver’s license (usually from Colorado), registration for the vehicle and proper insurance.
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How about laundry?
A resident is responsible for keeping personal items clean. There are laundry facilities on grounds. The machines use quarters. There are change machines in day rooms, and, in the case of some units, the tech office can also make change. If there is someone who will wash clothes off grounds, that is wonderful, but most of us don’t know anybody like that. In any event, be clean! We will help.
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Mail, packages and gifts brought on grounds
People who are spending time here can have those items. Don’t forget, though, that everything is subject to search. There is a list of contraband items, so anything on that list is prohibited. Most items are OK. If in doubt, ask one of the technicians on duty.
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How many clothes and personal items can a person have in his or her room?
The total value is limited to $300. There is a list of contraband items, so anything on that list is prohibited. Also, there are some considerations about size and space. The fire code forbids things that could get in the way in case of a fire. There is a locker assigned to each bed, so a good rule of thumb is that everything except clothes needs to fit into that space (approximately 2’ X 2’). One TV per room is ok, as is a radio. Usually, one person brings in a TV and everybody shares. ComCor will not assume responsibility for any personal property brought on grounds, so it’s not a good idea to leave money or valuable small things unlocked or unattended.
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What about medications?
Clients are not permitted to maintain an in-room supply of medications unless it is for heart or respiratory disorders. If this is the case, be sure to notify the Correctional Supervisor. If you feel that an exception is important, ask your Case Manager or the facility Supervisor. Even over the counter items are not permitted in rooms. Some over the counter medications are maintained in the Technician office for use as needed. Prescription medications are also kept in the office and records are kept of use.
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Haircuts and other grooming needs
Generally, you can have hygiene and grooming products in your room. No spray containers or items containing alcohol. We also have hygiene kits available in the office for those who come into the program without these. If a client needs ordinary things from the drugstore, he or she will probably qualify for a Technician pass. These passes are issued after reporting in so that people can take care of these kinds of personal matters. Remember, everything needs to be inspected before you take it to your room.
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Relationships with other clients
Be careful! People have casual encounters on grounds or in the dining hall. Sometimes they work together or ride the bus at the same time. It is best not to develop social or personal relationships. Romantic involvement will cause a lot of trouble. This is why one-on-one business or personal interaction between ComCor clients is not permitted by ComCor rules! Offenders need to focus on why they are here and they will be fine.
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Complaints about staff, accommodations or other clients
We have grievance forms that are used to submit and record these events. A client may always talk with a staff member as well. If a form is submitted, it will be reviewed by the appropriate supervisors. These things are taken very seriously and will be carefully considered. Many times the solution is simple; we just need to know.
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Is smoking allowed?
There are DESIGNATED smoking areas at all the facilities. You are free to use these areas, however please use the butt cans. Somebody is going to have to pick up trash and cigarette butts. It will always be people who live here, and if a smoker is caught littering, that will definitely prompt some trash pick-up time! Give each other a break and keep it neat.
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What should a person bring to the facility when checking in?
Bring some clothes and toiletries. At least enough to get by for a few days, but keeping in mind that space is limited, and the total value of personal property brought on grounds may not exceed $300.00. Also, all personal property must be screened before being taken to a room.
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How many days and hours can a client work each week?
This is really up to the case manager. Usually, an 8– to 10-hour day is considered long enough. Six-day weeks are standard. Everybody needs some rest.
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Best advice to clients
This is a time to take a look at what you don’t want to see happen again. “Keep doing what you were doing and you will keep getting what you were getting.” We believe that people can change. Let us help you change some things you would rather not repeat.
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