In an effort to restore public trust and accountability in local law enforcement,
Councilman Paul López will be introducing changes to the Independent Monitor’s
Ordinance. These amendments will require the Denver Police, Sheriff, and Fire
Departments (“DPD,” “DSD,” and “DFD”) to share information and documents in a timely
manner with the Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM). The Councilman will present
the amendments at the council’s Safety and Well-Being Committee on Tuesday,
February 3rd, at 1:30 pm. This will include 15 minutes for public comment.

“Although the vast majority of officers and deputies do their work with honesty and
integrity, we must ensure that the Department of Safety follows best practices and
constitutional policies keeping the safety of our uniformed officers and community at the
forefront,” said Councilman López. “Denver voters created the Office of the Independent
Monitor to ensure transparency, oversight and accountability. This ordinance will equip
the OIM with the necessary tools to perform his duty.”

The first two amendments would establish, by City ordinance, that the safety
departments must comply with the Independent Monitor on the monitoring of internal
affairs investigations, instead of allowing each department to set its own policies. The
third amendment would require the safety departments to share information and records
with the Independent Monitor that are necessary for him to fulfill his role.
Together, Councilman López’s Amendments would, strengthen civilian oversight of law
enforcement, establish a clear role for the OIM, and streamline the interface betwee