GLENDALE, Colo. — Glendale Police fired one officer, demoted a sergeant, and suspended another officer for nine days for mishandling evidence, according to documents obtained by 9NEWS.
A Glendale Police internal affairs (IA) investigation summary, obtained by 9NEWS, found two officers threw evidence into the trash on multiple occasions. The district attorney dropped a case because of the mishandled evidence, according to the report. A spokesperson for the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office told 9NEWS it had an open criminal investigation into Glendale Police officers.
The IA investigation resulted in six of Glendale's 27 sworn officers receiving some form of discipline. Documents 9NEWS obtained from a public records request detail the discipline three of the officers received.
Glendale Police fired one officer.
"Due to the serious nature of these allegations, the obvious pattern of behavior, and your tenure with the GPD, you are being discharged from the GPD, effective immediately," a Notice of Termination stated.
The department demoted a sergeant to officer.
"It was determined that, on numerous occasions, you failed to supervise staff under your control. This resulted in felony cases being dismissed, the rights of citizens being threatened, and a loss of confidence in the Glendale Police Department," a Notice of Demotion letter stated.
Glendale Police suspended an officer for nine days.
"Due to the serious nature of these findings, but taking into account all factors, you are being suspended without pay for 9 days. You will not be allowed to use accrued leave to satisfy this suspension, and this suspension will be scheduled at times which are best for the effective operations of the Glendale Police Department," a Notice of Suspension said.
The city manager said the employees received these notices on March 21, and they have the ability to file a grievance and appeal the decisions.
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