DPD Union: 'We Do Not Trust' Chief's Words
DENVER (CBS4) - Denver's Police Protective Association, which represents the majority of Denver police officers, said they plan to meet with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock to discuss the potential merger of the Denver Police and Sheriff's Departments, which has been discussed at the highest levels in recent weeks.
A CBS4 report earlier this week revealed the prospect of a possible merger. (Full Story)
"This subject matter has been discussed," said Stephanie O'Malley, Executive Director of Denver's Department of Safety.
CBS4 reported that Denver officials have been contacting other cities that have merged public safety agencies to see how it has worked out. The CBS4 report said members of the Hancock administration were discussing placing Police Chief Robert White in charge of merged agencies, if it came to pass. White said it would be inappropriate to comment on the issue.
The discussions have been in response to ongoing problems within the Denver Sheriff's Department which led to the demotion of Sheriff Gary Wilson earlier this year. O'Malley told CBS4 "There's no proposal in concrete and no conclusions if that's the best move for Denver."
She said all options were on the table, including the possible merger.
The police union sent an email to its members Wednesday night, saying "Last night, the PPA had a lengthy conversation with Chief White regarding the rumor the Police and Sheriff were merging. He advised in no uncertain terms there is no plan to merge both Departments at this time. He did, however, not rule out the possibility of it happening in several years, but did say there is no plan or planning of this event currently."
But the email went on to state "While we do not completely trust his (White's) words, we have scheduled a meeting with Mayor Hancock to discuss this matter."
