Most SVPs are sentenced to lengthy prison terms, although some SVPs can be released into the community on probation, directly upon sentencing, or on parole, following incarceration and sex offense-specific mental health treatment at the Department of Corrections (DOC). In determining an SVPs risk to the community, the Court or Parole Board considers the professional recommendation of the probation officer or DOC case manager, and the assessment of sex offense-specific mental health evaluators or treatment providers. If the SVP is determined to be manageable in the community, a recommendation may be made that he/she be supervised by probation or parole. In all cases, the Court or Parole Board must make the determination regarding the placement of an SVP.
SVPs represent a small proportion of all convicted sex offenders. Approximately 65% of all convicted sex offenders in Colorado receive a direct placement to the community from the Court. In Colorado, many SVPs are subject to the Lifetime Supervision Law, which prolongs a sex offender's sentence indeterminately.