Two groups are calling for more community representation on a team that will guide reform of the Denver Sheriff Department, renewing an issue that has plagued the effort from the beginning.
The Colorado Latino Forum last week demanded a seat on the committee, and on Monday the sheriff’s deputies’ union supported the call.
Rudy Gonzales, a member of the Latino Forum’s Denver chapter, said it’s important to have outside voices on the team to help set priorities. Minority communities have been most affected by the sheriff’s department’s troubles.
“There’s no one who’s going to be doing life in the county system,” Gonzales said. “They’re all coming back to our communities.”
In a news release, the sheriff’s union said it is important to include people who have been critical of the department from the beginning.
“This is the only way to ensure that all perspectives are heard and given proper consideration,” the news release said. “This is the only way to have true transparency as this process goes forward.”
The implementation team, which met Monday, has eight members, all of whom work inside City Hall. All have direct authority to make things happen whether it’s finding money in a budget, writing new policy or passing new ordinances, said Amber Miller, spokeswoman for Mayor Michael Hancock.
“This is an action team who can create a plan and move forward on it,” Miller said.
When asked whether the mayor planned to add community members, Miller said he would keep all of the stakeholders involved and informed.
The Colorado Latino Forum and other community groups made the same push last summer when Hancock formed an executive steering committee to help with the reform, including picking consultants to evaluate the department.
Hancock received after leaving out Denver City Council members and community groups. He quickly added two council members and four community members, including a representative from the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance and a professor from the Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Last month, two consultants released a nearly on the Denver Sheriff Department. The report declared a need for wholesale reform at the department and offered 277 recommendations for change, including extensive change in when dealing with inmates.
Noelle Phillips: 303-954-1661, nphillips@denverpost.com or twitter.com/Noelle_Phillips
Denver Sheriff Department reform team
The team will implement reform, including setting priorities.
