The U.S. Justice Department has launched a sweeping civil rights investigation into conditions inside Colorado’s state-run prisons and youth detention centers, federal officials announced Tuesday. The probe will examine whether the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Colorado Department of Youth Services (DYS) are violating the constitutional and federal civil rights of people held in their custody.
“The Constitution protects every American, whether they are a young person confined in a juvenile facility or an elderly person confined to a prison,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, who leads the department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are committed to upholding our federal civil rights laws so that no one is subject to unconstitutional mistreatment when held in state custody.”
No Findings Yet, DOJ Says
The Justice Department emphasized that it has not reached any conclusions about alleged misconduct. The investigation marks the first formal step in determining whether Colorado’s adult and youth facilities engage in a “pattern or practice” of violating the rights of incarcerated people.
The inquiry will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), a federal law that authorizes the Justice Department to investigate systemic constitutional violations in jails, prisons, and youth facilities. The department will also review DOC practices under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and DYS practices under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
CRIPA investigations often lead to negotiated settlement agreements requiring states to implement reforms if violations are found. Past probes have resulted in changes related to excessive force, inadequate medical and mental health care, and improper use of isolation or restraints.
Public Input Requested
Federal officials are asking individuals with relevant information—including residents, staff, advocates, or family members—to submit reports through the department’s civil rights portal at civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
The Civil Rights Division will publish updates on the investigation as it proceeds, with additional information available at justice.gov/crt.
Colorado state officials did not immediately comment on the announcement.
