The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s race this year pits Republican incumbent Michael Allen against Democrat Jeremy Dowell, an attorney representing Colorado Springs-area children in the juvenile justice system.

Allen, first elected district attorney in 2021 and seeking a second term this November, promises to build on his office’s status as a leader in prosecuting violent criminals and as a leader in restorative justice programs and rehabilitation.

Challenger Dowell said it’s time for change in the District Attorney’s Office that oversees criminal prosecutions in El Paso and Teller counties, including a less public-facing prosecutorial role for the district attorney and more emphasis on the judicial district’s collaboration with problem-solving courts, which can be an alternative to incarceration or adjudication.

A veteran prosecutor who as district attorney has also prosecuted several high-profile cases, including that of Club Q shooter Anderson Aldrich in district court, Allen said his courtroom experience is a crucial part of his job as district attorney.

As a prosecutor he can determine what is important evidence for a case, how to work with law enforcement partners to gather evidence and turn it over to the defense, and how to guide his clients through trial and sentencing, Allen said.

“This all requires experience that I have, and that nobody in this race does,” Allen said.

Dowell, in contrast, believes the elected district

attorney should focus more on policymaking and allow the best prosecutors to work the district’s cases.

The district attorney can lead the office in ramping up efforts to prevent crime, Dowell said, including educational campaigns in schools and working closer with community activists to find collaborative solutions.

The DA’s office could also focus on expanding its partnerships with problem-solving courts that try to identify and address the root causes of crime, such as substance abuse or poor mental health, he said.

“They try to reduce the driving factors so that we can break the cycle of crime. There’s no reason that cannot be absolutely maximized,” Dowell said.

Among his priorities for office, Allen wants to augment the juvenile prosecution unit for better outcomes. He said rehabilitation of juveniles is important so they do not become repeat offenders, but a “stiffer touch” is required for juveniles who commit violent crimes or have lengthy criminal history. That could include trying them as adults.

Dowell said another of his priorities will be to maximize resources that help reintegrate people back into the community after they have served their criminal sentences.

“People have served their time … so now let’s recognize that they’ve served their time and be a partner in their successful reintegration,” he said.