By Christopher N. Osher
The Denver Post
DENVER, Colo. — Colorado corrections officials say they need to spend $19.8 million in the next three years to replace an antiquated computer system that tracks offender needs and medical records.
The request for the additional money to replace the computer system comes as the department has had to explain that officials misinterpreted legislation in such a way that they had spent about $3 million more on prison guard overtime costs this fiscal year than they should have.
Rick Raemisch, executive director of the state Department of Corrections, said the current computer system is more than 20 years old and in danger of eventually collapsing.
“We have a very antiquated system that is beyond upgrading,” Raemisch said. “Those who can repair it are beyond the retirement age. They tell us that when it goes down — and it will — that our whole system will be down. And it will create tremendous problems for us.”
Full story: Colorado Corrections seeks $19.8 million for computer tracking