Aurora – Racy photographs purportedly taken by an Aurora police officer in a union office building have led to an investigation by the Police Department’s internal-affairs unit to determine whether the officer was on duty when he took them.
If he was on duty, the officer could face severe discipline, said City Attorney Charlie Richardson.
Photographs feature a scantily clad female who was reportedly the officer’s girlfriend, according to sources.
Aurora Police Association president Don James said his organization “looked into the matter and handled it internally.”
He wouldn’t elaborate, saying he didn’t want his comments to interfere with the department’s investigation.
However, Marc Colin, a Denver lawyer who represents the Aurora Police Association, said an investigation into the lawful actions by an off-duty officer is unconstitutional and illegal.
“Someone has to show me there is a scintilla piece of evidence to suggest there was on-duty conduct,” he said.
Chief Dan Oates said the only way to determine whether the officer was on duty is to conduct an investigation.
“If he was on duty, then it constitutes inappropriate conduct,” he said. “The Aurora Police Association is a private organization. Whatever occurs in their offices is their business, except when it involves an on-duty officer.”
Staff writer Jeremy P. Meyer can be reached at 303-820-1175 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com.
