Assessing Prosecutorial Performance in Colorado

• In Event: Prosecutorial Performance Indicators: Advancements in data and research

Abstract

Prosecutorial performance indicators historically have relied on conventional measures such as conviction rates, sentence lengths, and time to disposition. While these measures are relevant, additional indicators addressing case processing, accountability, fairness, and racial and ethnic justice are necessary to fully measure the performance of prosecutors. This presentation examines the use of prosecutorial performance indicators across eight prosecutors’ offices in Colorado, assessing the impact of defendant- and case-level factors on variation within and across jurisdictions over time. The findings will be discussed in the context of the existing research and with an eye toward implications for policy and practice.

Authors

• Don Stemen, Loyola University Chicago

• Besiki Luka Kutateladze, Florida International University