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Aurora police investigation needed
This Speakout has not been edited
By Mark A. Golden, Aurora
I just read an article in the Rocky Mountain News addressing the Aurora Police Association's request to have Aurora City Officials investigated for a possible criminal offense stemming from a letter the Officials sent to the Aurora Civil Service Commission.
The News reflects that Jack DaLuz (a Captain with the Aurora Police Department) states that attempts the Aurora Police Association are making to have an alleged criminal activity investigated "reflects badly" on the department and the people who are trying to get an alleged criminal activity investigated. Jack DaLuz does not state the Chief of Police did not commit a crime only that the request "reflects badly". Is the Aurora Police Chief exempt from an investigation into possible criminal activity? To not investigate this allegation would now reflect badly on the Aurora Police Department.
Your article down plays this event to make a possible class 4 Felony sound as though it is inconsequential. I feel that if the question has been raised and not denied, then an investigation through the District Attorney's Office should be mandatory and would put this issue to rest once and for all.
If the City Officials committed a crime, then the investigation will show what crime they committed and then an appropriate penalty can be assessed. If the City Officials did not commit any crime then the investigation will show that, and the matter would be resolved. If no investigation is conducted then that, in and of itself, would reflect badly on the Department and everyone associated with it. Because it would then show that Aurora's Public Officials involved in this matter are privileged people and are exempt from the law.
Keith Booten (a Detective with the Aurora Police Department) "called the union's investigation requests "completely tasteless and void of any semblance of professionalism, honor or integrity", but he does not state the City Officials are innocent either.
City Councilwoman Molly Markert called the situation "really sad."", but she does not say the City Officials are innocent.
I believe all of these people are more worried that requesting an investigation "reflects badly" on the Police Department while ignoring the fact that Aurora City Officials can possibly commit a Felony and can not be held accountable.
Carol Chambers (Arapahoe County DA) should begin an investigation immediately and show either that a crime has been committed or that no crime has been committed. Not investigating this incident at this point would be an even bigger crime against the Department's reputation.