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
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