Independent Monitor Nick Mitchell and Deputy Independent Monitor Suzanne Iantorno talk about use-of-force issues in Denver, effective use-of-force policy, development of new Denver Police Use-of-Force Policy, and reforms in Denver Sheriff Dept.

According to the Campaign Zero Use of Force Project, only 9 of the 100 largest American cities’ police departments did not kill anyone in 2015 or 2016. Unfortunately, Denver was not one of those nine. Police killed over 600 people in America in the first seven months of 2016, with black people three times more likely to be killed than white people. According to Campaign Zero, Denver ranked 28th highest in per capita police shootings. Clearly defined use-of-force policies reduce officer-involved shootings. When policy is vague more use-of-force complaints ensue.
In Denver, the Office of the Independent Monitor provides fair and objective oversight of the Denver Police and Sheriff Departments. The Monitor’s mission is directed at transparency and accountability of Denver’s Department of Safety personnel and the policies that govern them.
At this briefing, Independent Monitor Nick Mitchell and Deputy Independent Monitor Suzanne Iantorno will talk about use-of-force issues in Denver, the elements of an effective use-of-force policy, the development of the new Denver Police Department Use-of-Force Policy, and reforms undertaken by the Denver Sheriff Department.