A police department long beset by internal division could hit another major road bump as officers in Commerce City decide whether to sign on to a no-confidence measure against their chief.
The declaration, which began circulating late last week, states that officers on the force have “lost all faith, trust and confidence in the ability of Troy Smith to serve in the honorable office of the Chief of Police.”
At stake is a morale problem on the force that, if not addressed soon, could result in a “serious impact” on Commerce City’s public safety services, union leaders warn.
“When you have a place where people are not happy to be there, how is that going to affect their work?” asked Mike Violette, executive director of the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police.
A final result from the no-confidence vote is expected by June 22.
In a survey commissioned by the union earlier this year, nearly 85 percent of Commerce City Police Department officers who responded said they “lack faith” in Smith, . Nearly 74 percent of respondents did not feel optimistic about their future with the department, 87 percent said their voices are not heard and about 40 percent said they planned to make a “serious effort” to find a new job.
The union said the survey was independent and scientific. It garnered a 78 percent response rate.
There are about 87 sworn officers on the force, with 11 vacancies waiting to be filled.
“This is as bad as it gets from our perspective,” Violette said of the survey results.
Among other complaints on the force, according to the survey, are claims that favoritism pervades the promotions process, department leadership doesn’t trust officers to do their jobs, and internal affairs investigations have been used by management to intimidate officers.
So far, city leaders are sticking by their chief. Smith could not be reached for comment.
“The reforms Chief Smith has been working on are the right ones to do, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy for everybody,” City Manager Brian McBroom said.
Some of the reforms include updating the department’s use-of-force policy, completing an audit of sexual assault investigations and improving outreach to the city of 50,000.
McBroom acknowledged that the staffing pinch at the department is a challenge, but he said he has faith in Smith.
At the time Smith was hired from the Grand Junction Police Department, where he served as deputy chief for nine years, the Commerce City department had just undergone . Smith, , was the fifth chief hired in six years.
City Councilwoman Jadie Carson said Smith needs more time to work on his five-year plan. In the meantime, she’s confident the force will maintain high standards.
“I believe our police officers are professional and will perform at 100 percent for the public safety,” Carson said.
John Aguilar: 303-954-1695, jaguilar@denverpost.com or twitter.com/abuvthefold
