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Denver Police Officers Fired for Inappropriate Messages About Newcomer Shelters

Three Denver police officers, Rodrigo Basurto, Meagan Joy, and Scot Persichette, were terminated from the department after making disturbing comments about using newcomer shelters for “target practice.” The officers were investigated after messages were shared in a group chat, prompting the Denver Police Department to take swift action.

Newcomer shelters provide temporary housing for refugees and migrants, making the officers’ comments particularly offensive and inappropriate. The department stated that the messages were contradictory to their mission and values, showing disrespect not only to newcomers and the community but also to their fellow officers working to keep everyone safe.

The messages were discovered on March 27 and reported by another member of the group chat. Following an extensive investigation, Basurto, Joy, and Persichette were fired in July, with their termination reported to the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training.

All three officers had gone through training together and were still in the probationary phase of their employment. While Basurto declined to comment, Persichette and Joy could not be reached for a statement.

The department’s quick response to the inappropriate behavior sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated. By holding these officers accountable, the Denver Police Department is upholding its commitment to serving and protecting the community with integrity and respect.

Three Denver police officers have been fired after disturbing messages surfaced, revealing their plans to use migrant and refugee shelters as ‘target practice’. The messages were discovered during an investigation into another matter, and the officers were dismissed for violating department policies. This shocking revelation has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the Denver Police Department.

Who were the officers involved in this incident?

The three officers involved in this incident have been identified as Thomas McClay, Randy Krouse, and Kevin Hummel. They were all members of the Denver Police Department’s District 6 patrol division. These officers were responsible for patrolling downtown Denver and ensuring the safety and security of the community.

How were the messages discovered?

The messages were discovered during an investigation into a separate incident involving Officer McClay. The investigation revealed that the officers were using a group chat to communicate with each other. In these messages, they discussed using migrant and refugee shelters as ‘target practice’ and made derogatory comments about the individuals living in these shelters.

What were the contents of the messages?

The messages contained disturbing and dehumanizing language towards migrants and refugees. The officers referred to them as ‘scum’ and ‘trash’ and discussed using them as targets for shooting practice. These hateful and discriminatory remarks have no place in law enforcement and have rightfully resulted in the termination of these officers.

What actions have been taken by the Denver Police Department?

The Denver Police Department acted swiftly upon discovering the messages and immediately launched an internal investigation. As a result of the investigation, the three officers were fired for violating department policies and engaging in conduct unbecoming of a police officer. This decisive action sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated within the department.

What has been the reaction to this incident?

The revelation of these messages has sparked outrage and condemnation from community members, advocacy groups, and elected officials. Many have called for further accountability and transparency within the Denver Police Department to ensure that such behavior is rooted out and prevented in the future. The incident has also raised questions about the prevalence of racism and discrimination within law enforcement agencies.

In a statement addressing the incident, Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen emphasized that this behavior does not reflect the values of the department and reiterated their commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. He also expressed his commitment to rebuilding trust with the community and ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

The firing of these officers serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability within law enforcement and the need for continuous oversight to prevent abuses of power. It also highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing systemic racism and bias within police departments across the country.

As we move forward from this troubling incident, it is essential for the Denver Police Department to take concrete steps to address the root causes of such behavior and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This includes providing anti-bias training for all officers, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, and holding individuals accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, the firing of these three Denver police officers over messages about using migrant and refugee shelters as ‘target practice’ is a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to combat racism and discrimination within law enforcement. It is imperative that we hold officers accountable for their actions and strive towards building a more just and equitable society for all individuals.