The Denver Department of Public Safety has introduced a new directive that reduces independent oversight over the Denver Sheriff Department’s handling of deputy misconduct. This change has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability within the department.
Changes to Oversight
Previously, misconduct complaints against the Denver Sheriff Department (DSD) were managed by the Public Integrity Division (PID), which includes the Conduct Review Unit and the Administrative Investigation Unit (AIU). The new directive limits the AIU’s involvement to cases resulting in ‘actual harm’ or ‘an incident,’ while some offenses will no longer be under AIU’s purview at all.
Al Gardner, head of the safety department, stated that the changes aim to improve efficiency by realigning responsibilities and reaffirming the DSD’s authority over personnel matters. However, Independent Monitor Lisabeth Pérez Castle criticized the directive, stating it undermines public accountability and transparency.
Impact on Accountability
Under the previous system, AIU conducted investigations into alleged misconduct, which were then reviewed by the independent monitor’s office and the Conduct Review Unit. The CRU would recommend penalties based on a disciplinary matrix. The new directive removes oversight for some lower-tier violations, such as using a cellphone or having unauthorized weapons in secured areas, unless they result in harm or are repeat offenses.
Gardner defended the directive, emphasizing the need for timely investigations and suggesting that low-level violations are better addressed at the supervisory level. However, Pérez Castle argued that the directive violates city ordinance by reducing transparency and accountability.
Community Response
The Citizen Oversight Board, a community-led counterpart to the OIM, also criticized the safety department for not informing them about the planned changes, despite their inquiries over the past year. The board and the independent monitor have called for the directive to be rescinded, citing a lack of transparency and proper notice.
According to the city charter, the sheriff department is required to provide reasonable notice and an opportunity for recommendations before implementing policies affecting the OIM’s work. Pérez Castle noted that the OIM received the directive with insufficient time to make recommendations, and the safety department published it without their input.
As the directive remains in place, the debate over transparency and accountability in the Denver Sheriff Department continues, with community leaders urging a reconsideration of the changes.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
