Mayor Hancock Selects New Independent Monitor
DENVER (CBS4) - Denver Mayor Michael Hancock on Tuesday announced his selection of Nicholas E. Mitchell, Esq. to be the city's next independent monitor.
Mitchell's selection now must be approved by the Denver City Council.
The independent monitor is responsible for monitoring and participating in investigations of Denver's police and sheriff departments.
"Strengthening the relationship between our residents and our safety officials is one of my highest priorities, and the independent monitor plays a vital role in that process," Mayor Hancock said in a statement. "Nicholas will bring a judicious eye and investigative wherewithal to the position, traits we are working to instill at all levels of the civilian oversight process. He will aid in providing transparent, balanced and swift resolution to our disciplinary actions, and ultimately help make Denver a safer city."
The independent monitor position was created to provide fair and objective oversight of the Denver police and sheriff's departments. The independent monitor makes recommendations to the manager of safety, chief of police and director of corrections regarding disciplinary action and broader disciplinary policy issues.
"I'm greatly honored to have been selected by Mayor Hancock to take on this important position," Mitchell said. "This is a unique opportunity for a fresh approach when it comes to investigating cases of alleged misconduct. I will work to ensure that investigations are conducted aggressively but fairly, to foster transparency in the process and to help strengthen relationships between the public and Denver's safety departments."
Mitchell works as a federal and state commercial litigator at Silver & DeBoskey in Denver.
