Colorado State Representatives Jennifer Bacon, Chad Clifford and Leslie Herod have announced the first hearing in the interim session to address issues raised by survivors of internal law enforcement misconduct. The hearing convenes today, July 18, 2024 at 9:00am at the State Capitol in Denver.
Raised in the 2024 legislative session by an integral group of whistleblowing law enforcement officers, Colorado House Bill 24-1460, attempted to address crucial reforms in police accountability. The bill did not pass, but has garnered significant attention statewide. The proponents have committed to continuing working on this measure and will introduce a bill in the 2025 session.
Confirmed participants include Representative Bacon (chair), Representative Herod, Representative Clifford, law enforcement whistleblowers and representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, Department of Public Safety, County Sheriffs of Colorado, Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, the POST board and others.
Members of the public and press are invited to attend.
Since the passage of SB20-217, comprehensive police reform for external interactions with civilians, there have been numerous accounts and allegations of internal law enforcement misconduct across the state. Coloradans have made clear that internal police misconduct and misconduct against fellow police officers is a public safety and public trust concern. It deserves the urgent and utmost oversight attention of state legislators.
McKinzie Rees, a former police officer in Edgewater, courageously brought criminal and civil allegations against fellow police officers who assaulted her as well as conspired to cover up the crime and retaliate against all who tried to support her.
In the court’s finding against Rees’ perpetrator, the Hon. Judge Christopher Rhamey stated:
“What we have here is an aggravated case with inappropriate conduct. We have somebody who is in a position of power and used that power to pray on innocent people in our community and also conspire. Whether you blame others or not, these actions, conspiring with other members of law enforcement, the way the Court sees it, it was like a good old boys club… You are the reason why we have investigations into law enforcement, the FBI having to become involved with certain agencies. It’s you. It’s the right thing that you lose your POST certification; it’s the right thing that you’re not in law enforcement.”
Opponents of 24-1460, predominantly from top brass and the law enforcement lobby, pushed back on the bill claiming they did not have enough time to engage with the bill’s content to create comprehensive change. However, proponents, including the impacted whistleblowers, believe the pushback was an attempt to shy away from serious dialogue of culpability within agencies and avoidance to reform themselves. They have since experienced retaliation for coming forward to publicly address their concerns.
“The people who keep us safe should feel safe at work, especially if they just want to do the right thing and report misconduct,” said State Representative Jennifer Bacon (D-Denver). “By fostering ongoing discussions with stakeholders, including advocacy groups and affected individuals, the legislative working group aims to apply external pressure to refine and strengthen the implementation framework of law enforcement misconduct accountability.”
Key provisions of the future bill will be discussed in the July 18th convening. Set to be introduced in the upcoming session, the legislation will include enhanced protections for whistleblowers within law enforcement agencies and measures to ensure rigorous oversight and accountability in cases of misconduct. Through collaborative efforts with diverse voices across employment law, survivorship and law enforcement protocol, the working group seeks to address systemic challenges and promote a culture of accountability and trust.
“The experiences and insights shared by stakeholders like McKinzie Rees are invaluable in our efforts to build a more just and accountable system,” remarked Representative Leslie Herrod, a prime sponsor of HB 24-1460. “We are committed to upholding the integrity of this legislative process and ensuring that all voices are heard.”
For more information on Colorado House Bill 24-1460 and the ongoing efforts of the working group, please contact Representative Leslie Herod leslie@leslieherod.com.
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