Community Oversight plan for Denver Police OK'd
Mayor John Hickenlooper beat back weeks of heavy criticism to win final City Council approval Monday of his plan for civilian oversight of the Denver Police Department. The council voted 12-1 Monday to place the mayor's plan on the Nov. 2 ballot, leaving voters to decide the politically divisive issue. The council's backing was a foregone conclusion, despite broad opposition from minority community leaders who last week urged council members not to rush the measure to the ballot, arguing it lacks teeth to lead to meaningful reform. The package of reforms requires voter approval of two significant changes to the city charter. The council was under pressure to move a bill forward to meet a pending state election deadline. Hickenlooper has proposed a three-pronged approach to civilian oversight. The cornerstone of the plan calls for forming the Office of Independent Monitor, which will come solely under the mayor's authority. The monitor would have unprecedented access to statements and information surrounding investigations involving excessive force and alleged police misconduct.[more 