They are female, black, Latino, educators, former law enforcers and people of faith.
Denver got its first look at the Citizen Oversight Board at its meeting Tuesday night.
The seven-member board was appointed by the mayor to watchdog the Police Department and Richard Rosenthal, Denver’s new independent police monitor.
Board chairman Joseph Sandoval, who also leads the criminal justice and criminology department at Metropolitan State College of Denver, said the board’s goal is to bring transparency to the public about the conduct of its police force.
“The winds of change are sweeping through the halls of city hall, and it seems as if it is going in a positive direction,” Sandoval said.
Mayor John Hickenlooper created the oversight board and the Office of the Independent Monitor this year after public outcry over controversial police shootings in Denver.
Manager of Safety Al LaCabe said he expects change to be difficult, but he added that the community needs a police force it can be proud of.
“Mr. Rosenthal will tell you when he starts these things he usually gets resistance,” LaCabe said. “He will not get that resistance from the city and county of Denver.”
Complaint and commendation forms with prepaid postage were distributed by Rosenthal this week at police stations, jails and other establishments so the public can voice concerns about law enforcement.
The forms are also available online at www.denvergov.org/OIM.
Rosenthal said he was surprised he has not seen any resistance by law enforcement to the changes he’s made so far.
Ernesto Vigil, a Denver resident, said he was skeptical about whether Denver’s police department will accept change. He suggested Rosenthal look at the city’s history of police shootings.
“Problem officers historically go unpunished and rise through the ranks,” Vigil said. “I am not here to give Hickenlooper a pat on the back until I see this resolved on the street.”
The oversight board will evaluate Rosenthal’s performance and make recommendations regarding police training.
Its members are expected to meet quarterly with LaCabe, Police Chief Gerry Whitman and Director of Corrections Fred Oliva and conduct at least three public meetings to hear citizens’ comments. The board also will issue an annual report.
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-820-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com.
