Photo Courtesy: YouTube
An overwhelming majority of Denver police officers say they have no confidence in the ability of Chief Robert White to lead their department.
Denver Police Protective Association President Nick Rogers said a survey of 582 union members yielded a 94 percent “no confidence” vote.
The union represents about 1,300 officers.
“The PPA believes the vote reflects a perception by the rank and file officers of the Denver Police Department that there exists a lack of transparency within the police administration and a double standard applies to conduct of high-ranking members of the police administration,” Rogers said.
Rogers cited two particular incidents in connection to the “no confidence” vote. One involved allegations that White and Deputy Chief Matt Murray violated the state’s open records law in a sexual assault case involving a Denver police officer. The other was a car crash involving Chief White in late September. An investigation is underway to determine if White violated any department policies in relation to the crash.
It was the first time the union had ever issued a “no confidence” vote.
White said it’s his “responsibility to make the right, and sometimes controversial decisions for the betterment of our department and city.” He issued the below statement.
I highly respect the men and women of the Denver Police Department. I am now and have always been committed to doing what is best for the community and the Denver Police Department. Having been a Chief of Police for 20 years, I understand that being Chief can come with scrutiny from those who may disagree with decisions being made or fully understand all aspects of the position.
DPD is a great police department, but we must always find ways to be better as an agency. During my time in Denver, we have focused on improving our policies and culture, and these changes have been met with resistance by some. However, it is my responsibility to make the right, and sometimes controversial, decisions for the betterment of our department and city. I am steadfast in my beliefs of service before self and will continue to do what is best for the residents of Denver.
