The 47th Judge Conrad L. Ball award has been presented to former Community Corrections Director Tim Hand, in honor of his nearly four decades of influential work within law enforcement and community corrections. According to Larimer County, Hand's dedication to reform and client-centered practices has left a substantial mark on the local and statewide justice system.
Starting his career in Larimer County, Hand held numerous leadership roles, including that of Director of Adult Parole at the Colorado Department of Corrections. His return to Larimer County in 2013 as the Director of Community Corrections was met with acclaim as he brought his extensive expertise and a strong ethic of integrity to the role. Despite his technical prowess, it's Tim's approach to the individuals he served that truly sets him apart; known for his interaction with clients, he frequently engaged with them on a level that respected their dignity and potential for change.
Under Hand's direction, Larimer County Community Corrections received international recognition, thanks to his support for innovative treatment methods and evidence-based programming aimed at improving systems to better serve justice-involved individuals and reduce recidivism. "He has always challenged his staff and his program to do more for the people they serve and the community," one colleague shared in an interview, as per Larimer County.
Hand's ability to collaborate did not go unnoticed, as he worked to strengthen community partnerships and support the development of his peers. As a board member on several committees, such as the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice and the Community Corrections Coalition, he contributed to key initiatives and influenced public policy. One of Hand's colleagues cited his encouragement as the reason they took on an executive role on the Colorado Association of Community Corrections Boards, highlighting his persuasive impact on those around him.
His transformative contributions were recognized among a field of other esteemed nominees, which included Magistrate Cara Boxberger, the District Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit, Laurie Klith, Matt Landers, and the Fort Collins Police Services Victim Services Team. Tim Hand's career indeed reflects the ideals the Conrad Ball Award seeks to honor: a staunch commitment to justice, to community, and the steadfast belief in the ability of people to grow and change when given the opportunity. His legacy within Larimer County's criminal justice system will likely continue to inform practices for years to come.
