With the search for a new Independent Monitor to watchdog Denver police and sheriff discipline now hitting five months, a quarterly report from that office is short on insights and concerns about the process that are normally included.
Since Richard Rosenthal left the position on Jan. 8, Gregg Crittenden has been acting monitor. He couldn’t be reached for comment.
“The acting monitor is doing a good job despite being shorthanded. Because reasonable people could disagree about some of the concerns expressed in prior reports, it is not surprising that they may not carry over and be the concern of a subsequent monitor,” Manager of Safety Alex Martinez said.
A screening committee has picked three finalists to take over the position, but Mayor Michael Hancock has yet to announce a replacement for Rosenthal.
Hancock’s spokeswoman, Amber Miller, said he anticipates making a decision soon. “The Mayor’s office is actively engaged in its role to appoint Denver’s next Independent Monitor, currently conducting due diligence on the candidates provided by the Screening Committee,” said Miller.
The ACLU of Colorado said Thursday the lack of an appointment leaves a critical office without a full staff. “Operating with an interim director is not sufficient …. Mayor, let’s get moving and get this critical position filled and the office fully staffed,” Denise Maes, ACLU public policy director said in an email.
Rosenthal’s reports outlined concerns he had about agency procedure, and sometimes the handling of cases. His 2011 annual report noted concern about alleged officer entries into private residences without consent or a warrant.
In his final quarterly report before leaving office, Rosenthal accused police Internal Affairs officers of bias in investigating misconduct by cops. His conclusion was criticized by Manager of Safety Alex Martinez, who oversees the police and sheriff’s departments.
Tom McGhee: 303-954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com
