Aurora police
I have learned that Police Chief Oates is openly attempting to circumvent the direction dictated by the Voters and may be violating City Charter. I would therefore like to request that the City Council address these issues in a very prompt time frame. I have learned that Chief Oates has now stated he is no longer going to promote anyone to the rank of Police Captain and will instead use the Commanders rank in place of the rank of Captain.
Last November you and the Chief of Police brought to the Voters a ballot issue that would allow the Chief of Police sole control and responsibility in selecting and promoting people to the rank of Police Captain. This proposal was defeated in that election with the voters overwhelmingly denying that ballot issue. I have learned that the Chief of Police is now openly attempting to circumvent that defeated ballot issue by ignoring the wishes of Voters by stating that he will no longer promote anyone to the rank of Captain because he can not control the selection process and will instead appoint people to the rank of Commander because you have given him the right and responsibility to select and assign people to that newly created rank.
It is my understanding that you have funded only one Commander position in the original agreement and current budget. I would therefore like to request that you stop this end run around the direction established by the Voters and refuse to fund anymore Commander positions within the Police Department. I would also request that you force the Police Chief to stop circumventing the Voters direction in this matter and make him continue to follow the established rules and procedures in the selection and promotion of Officers to the rank of Police Captain.
I believe this recent attempt by the Chief of Police to gain additional power within the Police Department is a detriment to the Police Department and the Citizens of Aurora, Colorado. Your immediate attention to this request is paramount and any delay in addressing this issue would be negligent.
This letter has not been edited.
Mr. Golden’s concerns are very valid. The actions of Chief Oates appear to be designed to consolidate his power and give him an unprecedented amount of authority over the hiring and promotion of police officers in Aurora.
These actions would, in all likelihood, politicize the process whereby police officers are promoted in the APD. It’s not too extreme to suggest that the creation of a “good ’ol boy” system could easily evolve from these sorts of antics. This would not serve the citizens of Aurora or the men and women of the police department.
I find myself longing for the good old days when Chief Oates was primarily concerned with shoulder patches and re-painting Aurora’s police cruisers.
god forbid the chief to promote people on ability right? great letter to say you want a promotion just because you want it. stop the sob story and if you dont like the chief then remove him. go get someone you like[you know the good ole boy club] and then tell them how to run things so you will be happy.
Posted by on May 6, 2007 05:30 AMWaaal, now!
There's a surprise!
Someone who thinks thet tha town's Top Gunslinger with a Badge oughtin' ta be under tha folks on tha Town Council, stead o' Town Boss his own self.
Shore 'nuff, allus sumpin from them thar La De Da folks what think usuns out hyar in Injun fightin' country air backards an uncivilized.
Posted by Old Grouch on May 6, 2007 08:21 AM