Revolving Doors
A year-long investigation into Colorado’s community corrections system for ProPublica. Co-published by the Denver Post with visuals by Eli Imadali.
“Another Place to Warehouse People”: The State Where Halfway Houses Are a Revolving Door to Prison
Colorado’s halfway houses were intended to reduce recidivism, but insiders describe a system plagued by a lack of training and support, costs that can burden residents with debt and overly harsh rules that have sent many back in prison.
ProPublica 9/16/22
His Overdose Death in a Halfway House Bathroom Illustrates a System Lacking Accountability
Halfway house operators in Colorado have long been cited for failing to comply with standards, lapses that can lead to dangerous consequences. Yet regulators rarely force facilities to improve.
ProPublica 12/5/22
She Reported Her Medication Was Stolen at a Halfway House. She Was Blamed Instead.
Colorado halfway houses are required to have grievance policies for residents to file complaints. Many residents say they stay quiet out of fear of retaliation or being expelled, which can result in being incarcerated.
ProPublica 12/2/22
Colorado Lawmakers Mandate Audit of Halfway Houses Following ProPublica Investigation
The facilities often lack adequate employment training and effective drug treatment while residents are burdened with debt. A lack of transparency, limiting lawmakers’ ability to gauge their effectiveness, has been a barrier to reform.
ProPublica 5/1/23