To slow the spread of the Coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that individuals practice Social Distancing, which means maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from other individuals. 

In response to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a Guidance to law enforcement agencies and detention facilities in Colorado on their efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, which states:

“Reducing the numbers of those arrested or incarcerated is vital to our efforts to limit and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, detention centers, and prisons.”

As a result, Colorado jurisdictions have been encouraged to implement pretrial diversion and release methods to lower the number of individuals held in custody at any given time. In addition, law enforcement has similarly been encouraged to reduce the number of arrests, when it is safe to do so.

The Guidance also outlines the following recommendations for law enforcement:

  • Increase the use of warnings or summons in place of arrests.
  • In cases involving an indictment, information or complain, law enforcement should work with judges and prosecutors to issue a summons instead of a warrant
  • Law enforcement should work with judges and prosecutors to issue a summons instead of effectuating an arrest in cases that have been initiated by indictment information or complaint.
  • Prioritize arrests of serious and violent offenses over nonviolent crimes.
  • Assess the severity of a violation when a violator exhibits symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Adhering to social distancing directives when interacting with individuals exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, limiting exposure to those individuals, documenting names and dates of birth on a notepad, rather than exchanging documents, and allowing individuals to proceed with a verbal warning.
  • In addition, law enforcement is recommended to wear personal protective equipment, put surgical masks on arrestees, practice good hygiene and disinfect their gear prior to reuse.

If you have questions about your rights or how the Governor’s recommended Guidelines affect your situation, we are here to help.

Our office is open and we are available to discuss your loved one’s case. You can call us at (303) 747-6898 or email us at admin@jlongtinlaw.com for more information.

Written by 
Jennifer Longtin
Dedicated to serving the mentally ill who are involved in the criminal justice system; Jen litigates issues of competency, sanity, and uses a client's situation and history to find treatment alternatives to incarceration.