Keeping our communities safe is the most essential function of government. If you don’t feel safe in your home, in school, at work or going out for an evening, government has failed you.

There are two important initiatives on the ballot this fall that will help reduce Colorado’s crime rate, which is far too high. I am a strong supporter of “Truth In Sentencing” (Proposition 128) and “Back The Blue” (Proposition 130).

During my career in public service, I have had the unique opportunity to work in law enforcement and public safety at the federal, state and local levels, including serving as Colorado’s attorney general. And as mayor of Colorado Springs, I saw the real difference a well-trained, professional police force made in the life of our city.

One of the most important tools we have as a society to keep families and communities safe, is to put violent criminals behind bars.

Today, Colorado has moved away from this common-sense priority. Despite prosecutors securing appropriate, and often lengthy, sentences for violent offenders, these criminals serve just 46% of their sentences on average.

This troubling statistic has very negative, real-world implications for victims, their families and for local communities.

The hope society has for every inmate entering the corrections system is that they choose to reject a life of crime upon release. While some do, fact is that far too many go on to reoffend, which is why Colorado has one of the highest recidivism rates in the nation. Releasing inmates before they serve even half their sentences means there will be more crimes, and more crime victims, far earlier.

The current policy also retraumatizes the victims of violent crime, who can be shocked to learn that the person who victimized them is back on the streets, years before their expected release.

Over the years, district attorneys and others in the law enforcement community — on a bipartisan basis — have supported legislation to ensure that violent offenders are kept in prison longer. Unfortunately, the Legislature has refused to act. Now, voters have the chance to enact reform.

The “Truth In Sentencing” Initiative (Proposition 128) requires that criminals convicted of violent crimes serve 85% of their sentences. Upon a third offense, felons will serve 100% of their sentences.

It’s a simple initiative that will have profound and lasting benefits across our state.

The second crime-fighting initiative is Back The Blue (Proposition 128) to support the women and men in law enforcement across the state.

One of my top priorities as a mayor was to put more police on our streets. Our citizens needed to know that when they dialed 911, they could count on a police officer arriving as quickly as possible. And I wanted our officers out in neighborhoods in force because there are few better deterrents to criminal activity than the visible presence of police.

Colorado is facing an imbalance in law enforcement funding. A study for Common Sense Institute by former Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen showed that while overall spending is increasing, the share devoted to hiring officers empowered to make arrests is decreasing. The number of law enforcement officers per capita in Colorado has declined, which I believe is a contributor to rising crime rates.

A yes vote for Back The Blue can help to turn that statistic around. The initiative devotes $350 million in existing state funds — without raising taxes — to law enforcement compensation, retention training and equipment.

In addition, we must do more to assist the families of first responders killed in the line of duty.

The initiative creates a $1 million death benefit, which will provide a degree of longterm economic security at a tragic time in a family’s life.

Colorado has developed a reputation as a state that is soft on crime and where too often the needs of offenders are prioritized over the needs of victims and communities. It is a sad fact, but we do not have to accept this reality as the “new normal.” Propositions 128 and 130 are smart, much needed solutions that will make Colorado safer.

Please join me in voting yes on both important measures.

John Suthers served as Colorado attorney general, U.S. attorney for the District of Colorado, executive director of the Colorado Department of Corrections and as mayor of Colorado Springs.