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Council to vet GAIN program after committee members raise questions about outreach and targeting
Summary
Councilmembers asked the Office of the Municipal Public Defender to be briefed on the GAIN program and voiced concerns about community engagement, outreach methods and a slide that suggested OMPD participation without the office’s knowledge. The committee scheduled a targeted briefing next week and a comprehensive presentation in November.
After public comment raised questions about the Gun Violence Awareness Intervention Network (GAIN), councilmembers pressed OMPD and asked the committee to bring program staff in for more detail.
Councilmember Kevin Flynn said he had directly sought materials and argued for a committee deep dive. Another councilmember described the program's origin in the Operation Ceasefire model and said Denver is retooling its version to increase participation.
OMPD Director Colette said her office was not at the table for planning and that a slide shown to community groups listed OMPD involvement without the office’s knowledge. "We are not aware. We have not been invited to the table," Colette said, and asked council to share information if they learned more.
Council members and OMPD agreed on the need for community buy‑in and transparent outreach. Chair Daryl Watson said Dr. Sanders will brief the committee next week and a comprehensive GAIN presentation will occur before this committee in November. Councilmembers said they would use the briefings to probe targeting lists, community engagement strategies and whether the program’s referrals list includes many young people who have not been involved in gun crime.
Next step: GAIN staff and Dr. Sanders to present to the Health & Safety Committee next week (targeted) and again in November (comprehensive), and committee members to prepare questions about community engagement and referral criteria.
