Police Union Backs Down On Threat To Not Issue Tickets
PPA Asks Mayor Not To Reappoint Chief Gerry Whitman
POSTED: 10:09 a.m. MDT August 22, 2003
UPDATED: 10:56 a.m. MDT August 22, 2003
DENVER -- The Denver police union said it will not condone a work slow down despite rumors that Denver police officers will refuse to write tickets if Chief Gerry Whitman is not replaced.
However, the union said its members do want a new police chief.
In a letter to the mayor's transition team, the Denver Police Protective Association claims that the current police administration has asked officers to write more tickets to help the city's finances. The union said it has no desire to do that, implying that officers would cut back on the number of tickets they hand out if Whitman is retained as chief.
Mayor John Hickenlooper didn't seem perturbed by the letter.
"Certainly, my chief of staff, Michael Bennett, got a speeding ticket two weeks ago. I probably shouldn't say that. They weren't slowing down writing tickets for him. People say things in the heat of the moment, I don't think they're serious," Hickenlooper said.
However, several officers have complained about the letter, and about the union assuming they disliked Whitman.
"It's not a true representation of the entire membership," said Denver police spokeswoman Virginia Lopez.
The PPA then sent out another press release saying it would not condone a work slowdown, but said on its Web site, "We no longer need an iron fist forcing their will upon us. What we need are partners willing to work with us. We need an administration that remembers what it means to be a police officer. We have an administration that has been disconnected from the rank and file."
There are certainly mixed feelings about the chief within the organization.
"I don't necessarily see eye to eye on every decision he makes, but I think he acts fairly and justly as often as possible," said Sgt. Ron Thomas with the Black Officers Organization.
The head of the Latino Police Officers Organization said the chief has done some good things for the community, but adds that many officers are afraid to do their job.
"The overall issue is that Chief Whitman has known about this morale problem for a long, long time. And I don't think he's done anything about it," said Rufino Trujillo with the Latino Police Officers Organization.
Meanwhile, Hickenlooper said he will listen to the officers' opinions but will not be rushed to make a decision.
"They do a great job at making sure this city is safe. Do I think they are a decision maker on who should be the next police chief? Absolutely not," Hickenlooper said.
Competing with Whitman for the position is Cmdr. Rudy Sandoval, Cmdr. Brian Gallagher, and Capt. John Lamb.
The police union said the letter to the mayor's transition team was supposed to be confidential.
The union said it will work with and support whomever the mayor selects.
More Information:
However, the union said its members do want a new police chief.
In a letter to the mayor's transition team, the Denver Police Protective Association claims that the current police administration has asked officers to write more tickets to help the city's finances. The union said it has no desire to do that, implying that officers would cut back on the number of tickets they hand out if Whitman is retained as chief.
Mayor John Hickenlooper didn't seem perturbed by the letter.
"Certainly, my chief of staff, Michael Bennett, got a speeding ticket two weeks ago. I probably shouldn't say that. They weren't slowing down writing tickets for him. People say things in the heat of the moment, I don't think they're serious," Hickenlooper said.
However, several officers have complained about the letter, and about the union assuming they disliked Whitman.
"It's not a true representation of the entire membership," said Denver police spokeswoman Virginia Lopez.
The PPA then sent out another press release saying it would not condone a work slowdown, but said on its Web site, "We no longer need an iron fist forcing their will upon us. What we need are partners willing to work with us. We need an administration that remembers what it means to be a police officer. We have an administration that has been disconnected from the rank and file."
There are certainly mixed feelings about the chief within the organization.
"I don't necessarily see eye to eye on every decision he makes, but I think he acts fairly and justly as often as possible," said Sgt. Ron Thomas with the Black Officers Organization.
The head of the Latino Police Officers Organization said the chief has done some good things for the community, but adds that many officers are afraid to do their job.
"The overall issue is that Chief Whitman has known about this morale problem for a long, long time. And I don't think he's done anything about it," said Rufino Trujillo with the Latino Police Officers Organization.
Meanwhile, Hickenlooper said he will listen to the officers' opinions but will not be rushed to make a decision.
"They do a great job at making sure this city is safe. Do I think they are a decision maker on who should be the next police chief? Absolutely not," Hickenlooper said.
Competing with Whitman for the position is Cmdr. Rudy Sandoval, Cmdr. Brian Gallagher, and Capt. John Lamb.
The police union said the letter to the mayor's transition team was supposed to be confidential.
The union said it will work with and support whomever the mayor selects.
More Information:
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