After a record of homicides and violent gang takeovers, the blue state experiences a $350M 'defund police' comeback.

The state's police departments have achieved a victory after Aurora and Colorado Springs experienced record homicides in 2022, Denver's homicide rates doubled in the last decade, and Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan prison gang, took over apartment buildings in Aurora, making national headlines.

"We back the blue in Colorado!"

The Fraternal Order of Police's national vice president, Joe Gamaldi, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the funding is a significant step to demonstrate law enforcement's support and the resources they need to perform their duties effectively. This step is crucial because it reflects the public's stance on law enforcement in Colorado.

At press time, Denver Mayor Michael Johnston's office could not be reached for comment by Planet Chronicle Digital.

The funding initiative has been criticized for potentially reducing funding for other public services, as Kyle Giddings of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition stated that the amount of money taken from the general fund is equivalent to "6,000 teacher salaries" and "the whole budget for the affordable housing program."

According to Gamaldi, public safety is the foundation for everything to work in our communities.

Good schools and thriving businesses require safety, and public safety should be the first priority with an investment. However, we are losing police officers at an alarming rate, with a 45% increase in resignations nationwide.

"To maintain the current experience of law enforcement professionals, funding is required not only to recruit the next generation but also to retain the current officers. Failing to invest in these professionals could result in the loss of the entire law enforcement system for an entire generation. Although it is a significant amount of money, it is necessary at this time, and it is more critical than ever."

""It's encouraging to observe that the pendulum is swinging back towards supporting law enforcement in Colorado when viewed from a broader perspective," Rose stated."

Rose stated that extra funding for the Wheat Ridge Police Department would help establish it as a great department for both starting and ending a career.

""Police work is becoming increasingly challenging, but the brave officers who put on their uniforms every day and keep Wheat Ridge a safe community deserve to work for a department that prioritizes their well-being," Rose stated."

Proposition 130 and Proposition 128 were both measures aimed at enhancing law enforcement and were approved by Colorado voters. Proposition 130 required law enforcement to undergo additional training, while Proposition 128 mandated that individuals convicted of violent offenses serve 85% of their sentence before being eligible for parole.

According to the constitutional amendment, judges can once again deny bail in cases where the evidence of guilt is clear or the likelihood of guilt is high.

""Colorado's electorate is increasingly leaning left in elections, but this doesn't mean they're abandoning law enforcement and public safety," Rose stated on Planet Chronicle Digital."