DENVER – The Denver Department of Public Safety issued a directive Tuesday changing how sheriff’s deputies are disciplined for minor policy violations, setting off a fierce debate between department leadership and oversight officials.
Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins praised the change, saying it has already been well-received within the department.
“Since the directive has been issued in the past 24 hours, I’ve had countless members of our organization who have lauded it, who have said this is absolutely great,” Diggins said.
Under the new policy, deputies will not face formal internal affairs investigations for minor infractions as long as no incident results. For example, if a deputy accidentally keeps their weapon on their person while entering a secured area like the county jail, a sergeant can address it informally rather than opening a formal investigation with the Department of Public Safety…