After abuse, recommendations issued for Denver Sheriff’s Department

Proposed changes at the Denver Sheriff’s Department include shorter hours and more training for deputies. 

Those are among 40 recommendations being considered by several task forces that are looking at department policies following a string of excessive force complaints. 

The city has promised a “top to bottom” review of the department following several complaints and lawsuits alleging excessive force.

Executive Director of the Department of Safety Stephanie O’Malley says everything is on the table.

"This work is very critical, it’s important and we take it very seriously and we want to continue to move forward and of course at the end of the day we all want to see some enhancements in the betterment of our Denver Sheriff’s Department," she said. 

The draft list of suggestions was released Thursday – it will be revised and turned in to Denver’s Public Safety Manager next month.

“The training task force has made great strides to take a very thoughtful, very honest approach to reviewing the effectiveness of how Denver trains its sheriffs. I’m honored to be part of such great work as this is important to the future of this department,” Pete Dunbar, director of the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training, said in a news release.

Some Recommendations from Policy and Procedure Task Force:

- Make changes to the taser policy
- Makes changes to the inmate handbook

Some Recommendations from Training Task Force:

- Improve performance management training
- Increase supervisor training for new sergeants
- Increase training for new captains

Some Recommendations from Staff Wellbeing Task Force:

- Change shifts from 12 hours to 10 hours
-Establish a mentor program