Robert White was sworn in as Denver's police chief today, vowing to improve the department and regain the community's trust after a string of high-profile police brutality cases.
White, who comes to Denver from Louisville, Ky., where he was police chief, said he plans to build on work done by now former police chief Gerald Whitman, who he will replace.
Whitman did a great job, he said. "We will be a better department then we have ever been I agree with (Mayor Michael Hancock) that this is a good police department, but we are going to make it a great police department," White told a crowd that included numerous police brass and officials.
White will work to change the culture among officers who, some say, refuse to report when colleagues brutalize civilians, he said this morning.
Former Safety Manager Al LaCabe said recently that while it is rare for a cop to hurt someone in custody without reason, it is an accepted part of doing business for a small number of officers. And even good cops are reluctant to turn in a cop who does engage in excessive force.
"I honestly believe the great majority of the men and women in the police department want to do the right thing," White said during an interview at police headquarters prior to the swearing-in.
White said those who engage in unnecessary violence will be held accountable.
To assure that officers understand the rules, he will pick a leadership team that values accountability and reinforces that value with officers and the city's residents.
Police on the street will respond positively to change if they are treated with respect and honesty, White said. Though there have been complaints from the ranks about low morale, White said, he will focus more on respect than morale.
While one officer might say his or her morale is good, another will believe morale "is falling through the cracks."
"But if you support officers when they deserve to be supported, treat them as adults, make sure they have the tools to do the job and go home safe to their loved ones," they will respond, White said.
White expects to make some changes to the department's command structure, though he doesn't yet know what they might be. "It appears to be a little top-heavy for me. It will be clearer in time."
His arrival opens a window of opportunity that will close if he doesn't make changes quickly. Officers and their superiors understand that he will make changes, and some fear that. "Many people don't like change. When you rattle that cage a little bit, they get a little uncomfortable but they expect it. If you wait too long people become complacent and routine sets in again."