Colorado’s prison population continues to grow. Tomorrow, the 27 members of the newly established Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice will conduct a panel session examining sentencing and how to reduce recidivism. It will also examine alternatives to incarceration. Gov. Bill Ritter will be on hand to give opening remarks.The session is open to the public. It takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at the National Enforcement Training Institute at 12345 W. Alameda Ave. in Lakewood.By the numbers:

  • The state has 23,000 inmates housed in facilities throughout the state and 10,000 parolees.
  • Criminal justice officials expect the state’s prison population to rise nearly 25 percent in the next six years. The Department of Corrections budget is now more than $702 million.
  • Statistics indicate 90-95 percent of prisoners will be released, but one of every two ex-cons will return to prison within three years.