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. [2]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.