National Firms To Steer Denver Sheriff Reform
DENVER (AP/CBS4) — Two national consulting firms will help the Denver Sheriff Department as it tries to make sweeping reforms after a series of high-profile misconduct cases.
Mayor Michael Hancock said Thursday that Chicago-based Hillard Heintze and Los Angeles-based OIR Group will study the department and lead a national search for a new sheriff. Former Sheriff Gary Wilson stepped down in July as the city agreed to pay $3.3 million to settle a former inmate's jail-abuse lawsuit.
"I believe taking this next step with this team of outside experts will help us reform the Denver Sheriff's Department into an agency we can all once again be proud of," Hancock said.
A federal jury on Tuesday found deputies used excessive force against a homeless street preacher who died in the jail and awarded his family more than $4.6 million.
The firms, which employ former prosecutors and police, have helped troubled law enforcement agencies in other cities. In Denver, their reviews will focus on discipline, internal investigations and department leadership.
The city is hosting a public forum about the firms on Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at East High School.
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