Denver Police Chief Robert White today demoted Division Chief Tracie Keesee, who was heavily favored by officers during the search for a chief that ended with White's appointment, and transferred four other cops.
White said the moves were in the best interest of the department, but wouldn't explain why he made them.
"I don't want to talk about a personnel matter - I don't think that would be appropriate," White said.
Keesee didn't return calls or an email request for comment.
A high-ranking police source said Keesee's demotion to her permanent rank of captain came after White ordered a forensic search of department computers to track an annonymous letter that circulated in department circles recently. The letter, which was published by The Denver Post last Thursday, claimed that White isn't bringing needed change to the department in personnel decisions and was swayed in his decision making when a key commander got him free tickets to a Broncos game.
White denied through a spokesman that the tickets came from the commander. The two tickets to the Dec. 11 game against the Chicago Bears came from a local businessman.
The letter was traced to Lt. Vince Porter, who worked in Deputy Chief John Lamb's office. Porter sent the letter to Keesee, according to a separate source familiar with the incident.
Porter has been moved to District 6, and will keep his present rank, according to a list of personnel transfers provided by the department.
Keesee, who until today was division chief in charge of research, training and technology, will take over as UASI coordinator, a liason between the department and the Department of Homeland Security, White said.
Lt. Steven Addison will be moved from District 6 to a temporary position in the homicide unit.
Capt. William Nagle, of the vice and narcotics bureau, will take Keesee's place, and Capt. Jennifer Steck, who occupied Keesee's new position as USAI coordinator, will move to Lamb's office.
Keesee, a 22-year veteran of the department, was heavily favored by the rank-and-file during the city's recent search to replace former chief Jerry Whitman. Mayor Michael Hancock chose White, who previously headed the Louisville, Ky., police department from a field of 61 applicants for the job.