John Walsh outlines his vision as Denver's new district attorney
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Former U.S. attorney for Colorado John Walsh was elected as Denver's district attorney. Photo courtesy of John Walsh campaign.
John Walsh will be sworn in Tuesday as Denver's next district attorney, taking the lead of the largest prosecution office in Colorado.
Why it matters: The start of his tenure marks the end of the Beth McCann era but signals Denver's progressive policies on crime will continue.
What he's saying: "My immediate task is to really wade deeply into the DA's office to make sure I understand the huge strength of this place" and do "everything possible" to elevate an "already incredibly high level of professional work," he told Axios Denver.
The big picture: Walsh enters office focused on curbing violent crime and addressing its root causes — particularly among teens. Also atop his agenda is combating the fentanyl epidemic and open-air drug use, along with reducing retail theft.
Zoom in: To address the addiction crisis, he intends to balance prosecution of drug dealers with diversion programs for low-level offenders.
- He aims to be a "strategic partner" with law enforcement on violence reduction strategies, inspired by Boston's success. Walsh also wants to work with schools to expand extracurricular opportunities for kids and keep them off the streets.
Between the lines: Walsh pledges to maintain his predecessor's data-driven approach and restorative justice programs while taking a measured stance on police accountability.
- "There are going to be times when officers do need to use their weapons, and we'll look at each one of those cases on its own merit," he said.
The backdrop: Walsh won last June's Democratic primary against Leora Joseph with 58% of the vote and an endorsement from former DA McCann.
- He was also backed by national Democratic leaders and big-money players such as former U.S. attorneys general Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch — a nod to his time as U.S. attorney for Colorado in the Obama administration.
What's next: Matthew Kirsch, currently the U.S. attorney for the District of Colorado, will be Walsh's second-in-command as first assistant district attorney.
- Denver District Court judge and former prosecutor Darryl Shockley will serve as assistant district attorney.
- Both join the office in February.