New corrections director pledges changes

Colorado’s new Corrections Department director says he plans to regain the public’s trust by showing results following reports of problems with security and equipment in the parole division.

Executive Director Rick Raemisch tells KMGH-TV the department has sharply reduced the number of mentally ill inmates being held in solitary confinement. A parolee suspected of murdering Raemisch’s predecessor, Tom Clements, was released onto parole directly from solitary confinement in March, which Raemisch says is unacceptable.

Raemisch says a new Fugitive Apprehension Unit has arrested 170 fugitives by working with other law enforcement agencies.