Watchdog challenges disciplinary changes to sheriff's office
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Denver's executive public safety director Al Gardner is changing how some sheriff's deputy misconduct cases are reviewed, a move he says will improve efficiency.
Yes, but: The Office of the Independent Monitor disagrees. The civilian watchdog agency argues the changes will reduce transparency and accountability.
Catch up quick: Gardner issued a directive on May 27 that exempts 14 policy violations from automatic review by the department's Public Integrity Division, the Denver Post reports.
- The division oversees internal affairs complaints and policy violations through its Administrative Investigation Unit (AIU) and Conduct Review Unit (CRU).
Under the new directive, some violations will be referred to the AIU if they meet certain thresholds, such as "actual harm." Others will no longer fall under the division's purview, per Denverite.
Zoom in: Infractions removed from the AIU's scope include late reporting, uniform violations and soliciting money for political purposes or private businesses.
What they're saying: Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins told the Post last month the changes will "improve morale, retention and hiring" at the agency, which has struggled to retain staff.
The other side: "They are turning back the clock on accountability to the time where there was little to no accountability coming from the sheriff's department," independent monitor Lisabeth Pérez Castle told Denverite.
What we're watching: The independent monitor has called on the safety department to rescind the directive, but it remains in effect for now.