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As someone who was raised in Denver, attended Denver Public Schools, lives in Denver, and has been a Denver Police officer for more than 30 years, I am honored to be appointed by Mayor Michael B. Hancock and confirmed by the Denver City Council as the next chief of the Denver Police Department.
I am aware the Denver Police Department has opportunities for improvement, and I will do everything within my power to decrease crime and increase the public’s trust in our department. These are significant challenges, but I am committed to proving to you that I am up to the task.
As chief, my main priority is to reduce and prevent crime, and I have already employed two strategies toward this goal. The first is to have more police officers responding to calls for service and to reduce the number of calls requiring officer response by enhancing alternate response mechanisms and expanding online reporting options. The second strategy is addressing the challenges in our persistent violent crime hot spots holistically by utilizing concepts and partnerships that have proven to be effective on a smaller scale.
My second priority as Chief is increasing the public’s trust in the Denver Police Department. DPD is an agency comprised of dedicated professionals, who every day safely make arrests, respond to people in crisis with successful resolutions, take illegal guns and dangerous drugs off our streets, connect with our residents in a positive manner, and much more.
However, we recognize that we must increase the trust of those we serve. To achieve this goal, we are continuing to build and maintain relationships in the community, elevate the expectations of officers, work to eliminate mistakes, and operate with transparency and accountability for our decisions. Part of successfully achieving this goal will be ensuring that our officers have the best, most appropriate training and resources while focusing on overall well-being.
As we embark on a new chapter in the service and legacy of the Denver Police Department, trust that Denver Police officers are working incredibly hard to address the significant public safety challenges facing our city.
Trust that our main priority is crime reduction. Trust that when you call, we will come as quickly as we can. Trust that we are working to achieve the best and most appropriate outcome, and trust that we are constantly striving to understand the sensitivities related to individuals’ lived experiences.
Overall, I commit to you that we will be good stewards of the authority granted us by you – the community we serve – and ask for your partnership in increasing public safety for all.
Ron Thomas, who took over as interim chief of police in September, was confirmed by the Denver City Council on Monday and took the oath of office Tuesday to become Denver’s new chief of police.
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