DENVER (CBS4) – Some Denver police officers will be replaced by civilians and many others will have to reapply for their jobs as the new chief continues to put his own stamp on the department.

Some people who have been in their positions for years will have to reapply like they’re starting all over again. But Chief Robert White says that’s what it’s going to take to make the city safer.

“Our reorganization speaks to what I think is our greatest responsibility, which is the prevention of crime,” White said. “There are probably about 30 to 40 jobs we have officers doing that civilians can do … and with rare exceptions I firmly believe that if it doesn’t require a gun or badge, a police officer shouldn’t be doing it.”

White said there are some officers in jobs that are not doing what’s expected of them.

“So this puts everyone on notice that, ‘Hey, if you’re doing a great job you have nothing to worry about, but if you’re complacent and not doing your job there’s someone in the wings waiting to do that,’ ” White said.

The moves aren’t popular with everyone. One detective who wanted to remain anonymous said reapplying for their job is a slap in the face. He even said some officers plan to band together and refuse reapplying.

“We’re beyond the point of negotiation,” White said.

He said he knows the move doesn’t make him popular, but that’s not his job.

“I was not hired to fix a broken police department. I was hired to be part of making a very good police department even better.”

The changes will start to go into effect on June 29.