Denver police defend plan to replace some discipline with coaching
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Denver police chief Ron Thomas on Wednesday defended a proposal to let some officers who commit low-level misconduct avoid the traditional disciplinary process and instead complete a coaching and training program.
Why it matters: While police pitch the plan as a way to improve efficiency and morale, Denver's independent monitor, Lisabeth Pérez Castle, criticized the proposal, saying it isn't discipline at all.
The big picture: Known as education-based development, the program would apply to the least serious violations in the department's discipline matrix, including report-writing errors, improper equipment handling and rude behavior.
- Castle's comments came during a Denver City Council committee meeting after Thomas and city officials presented the plan.
What they're saying: Castle said her office still lacks enough information to determine whether it supports the proposal.
- "We're being asked to make a recommendation about whether the OIM agrees to education-based discipline, [but] I don't know what it is. I haven't seen the training," she said.
- Her office is requesting more details, including about a public survey DPD conducted.
Caveat: Participation would be voluntary, and eligibility would be determined jointly by DPD and the independent monitor's office, assistant city attorney Wendy Shea said.
- For example, an officer who previously accepted or was offered the process within the past year for the lowest-level offense won't be eligible.
- A person under an active administrative or criminal investigation isn't eligible, Shea, who serves as special counsel for public safety, said.
Between the lines: Law enforcement leaders argue the proposal preserves oversight because cases would still be reviewed by internal affairs and the independent monitor's office.
- If police and the independent monitor disagree on whether a case should fall under education-based development, the executive public safety director would make the final call, Shea added.
Zoom out: The proposal is the latest effort by a Denver public safety agency to overhaul officer discipline, after a reform proposal from the Denver Sheriff's Department also drew criticism.
What's next: The policy remains under review by executive public safety director Al Gardner.