STRATEGY 5
Expand the role of community in establishing meaningful independent oversight, improving accountability, training law enforcement, and creating public safety policy.
Expand the Role of the Community
Denver has been debating the role and reach of civilian oversight for years. The Citizen’s Oversight Board (COB) and Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) originated in the 2004 Mayoral Task Force, but the proposals adopted were those drafted by law enforcement and not endorsed by the group as a whole. The offices of COB and OIM remain the creation of Denver law enforcement. The COB cannot independently advance necessary disciplinary measures and cannot compel DPD to adhere to any recommendations for disciplinary action. The initiation and scope of OIM investigations are subject to mayoral control that extends to veto power over potential investigations concerning department leaders appointed by the mayor. The City must reconsider the present limitations to oversight and prioritize community involvement in developing and revising DPD procedures in the future. The recommendations in Strategy 5 are written toward that end.
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