Denver Mulls Over Initiative to Allow Non-Citizens as Police Officers and Firefighters: Urgent Impact on Diversity and Public Safety
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In a groundbreaking move that could significantly impact public safety and diversity in the city, Denver is considering an initiative to amend its city charter to permit non-citizens to serve as police officers and firefighters. This move would allow immigrants with proper work authorization to take up these critical public safety positions, thereby opening up new opportunities for the city’s diverse population.
The proposal was brought forward by City Council President Jamie Torres and Council Member Amanda Sandoval, who aim to remove the current language in Denver’s charter that prevents non-citizens with work authorization from being hired as police officers and firefighters.
A Significant Shift in Public Safety Employment
This proposed change marks a significant shift in the city’s approach to public safety employment. Currently, the city’s charter requires applicants for these positions to be U.S. citizens. The proposed change would open these roles to non-U.S. citizens who have the appropriate work authorization in the United States.