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Denver Officer Retires, Complains Of 'Continuous Disrespect'

By Brian Maass

DENVER (CBS4) - A veteran Denver police officer has retired and offered a blistering critique of department leadership in his resignation letter.

"Despite my 31-plus years of dedicated service, leadership continuously placed more importance on their media perception and political aspirations than conducting and supporting good police work," wrote Officer Scott Murphy in a resignation letter obtained by CBS4.

Scott Murphy
Scott Murphy (credit: Denver Police Department yearbook photo/CBS)

In his one page letter addressed to Denver Police Chief Robert White, Murphy reflected on 31 years with the Denver Police Department, writing his departure "was highly encouraged by the department's leadership via superfluous punishment and continuous disrespect."

Murphy did not respond to an electronic message from CBS4 regarding his retirement letter.

Murphy wrote that, "The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves. Although a rudimentary principle, the current DPD leadership no longer sustains this value. To be considered a superb law enforcement department, the employees must possess integrity; yet, the executive staff no longer owns this. As a subordinate, I cannot uphold my honor, tradition, loyalty, and camaraderie while following their orders."

The Denver Police Department media relations office responded Wednesday in an email.

"From the tone of this letter, it is clear that Officer Murphy was disgruntled as he retired. Please note that prior to leaving he was the subject of an Internal Affairs investigation. That being said, we wish him well in his retirement," said the email from the DPD media relations office.

Murphy said he planned to find work with "an organization that still respects their rank and file officers."

LINK: Murphy's Resignation Letter

CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass has been with the station more than 30 years uncovering waste, fraud and corruption. Follow him on Twitter @Briancbs4.

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