DENVER POLICE AFTER THE FIRING OF DILL FOR SEATON HIST 4839 Senior Seminar Prof. Agee/ Gustin 28 April 2012In the Early 1960s a scandal rocked the Denver Police Department. Police officers were breaking into homes and businesses and robbing them while on duty. This was not good press for the Department. The scandal led to the public having doubt about the quality of police service provided by the city of Denver. The Denver police already had a history of corruption under previous chiefs it was later discovered that the same police officers that were responding, to the crimes were the officers committing the robberies. Mayor Thomas Currigan brought in new police Chief Harold Dill to clean up the department in 1963. Dill was a popular police chief but by 1967 he resigned due to pressure on mayor Currigan from racial minority groups One major event was when police chief Dill was forced to resign in November of 1967. Many citizens and police officers in Denver felt that Dill was a very good Chief. Many citizens felt that it was one of mayor Currigan’s biggest mistakes in an already shaky administration. Chief Dill was a veteran cop who fought during World War tl and many people had great respect for him.* Currigan replaced Dill with George Seaton and Seaton wanted to focus more ‘on community relations and hiring more minority officers. There were also civilian oversight and review boards that Currigan arranged so that Denver citizens could have a voice regarding police conduct. In Samuel Walkers book The New World of Police Accountability Walker states that new methods are being used to identify issues with police conduct in inner city, crime ridden minority neighborhoods.” Walker used an example of the Century Station of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department in the late 1990s there was an average of 12 civilians shot every year by officers from this station. Yes this was a rough area in South Central Los Angeles County but the LAPD that operated in the same area had only a third as many officer involved shootings.After an investigation was conducted it was discovered that management was the problem not the officers. Also brought to light was the fact that the Century Station was manned by some of the youngest and least experienced deputies in the entire LASD and the supervisors were equally young and inexperienced.* Walker also included information about open and accessible citizens complaint systems he used an example from the Oakland police Department. Deadlines for completing phases of complaint investigations were rarely met; officers were not always disciplined when a complaint was filed. As a whole the Oakland Police did not support, the investigation process. This is a problem that has happened in other American police departments and has plagued police-community relations. An open, accountable and accessible citizen complaint process is a key component of new police accountability.’ in chapter six of his book Walker discusses citizen oversight boards, Citizen oversight of the police has been one of the principal demands of civil rights activists since the 1960s.° Police auditors can be more successful than traditional review boards. Police auditors focus on organizational problems in departments rather than on individual officers. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has two separate auditors. Police auditors audit the complaint process, police operations and review police policy. Robert M Fogelson’s book Big City Police focused on the history of big city police up to the 1970s. In the late 1960s and early 1970s many departments in the United Stated were changing the way things were done; for instance a professional model was adopted instead of a military analogy.° The municipal authorities no longer looked for former military officers to head the police forces. Even though these changes were made the police forces still operatedlargely in a responsive not preventative idea, most police squads waited until a complaint was filed to take action. In 1964 twenty people, 17 Hispanics and 3 blacks claimed they were mistreated by the Denver police. Mrs. Dora Piccoli, chairman of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Comisission, said the 20 made statements before an all day hearing on alleged police brutaity. Mrs. Piccoli said most of the victims state they were mistreated and handled roughly for no reason. Mrs. Piccoli feels the comission should go on with an investigation. The comission chairman said another session will be on May 16, and the accused policemen give their versions of the incidents. Mrs. Piccoli said all the complainants who appeared Saturday did so voluntarily, and the accused officers will be asked voluntarily give statements as well. Some of the individuals who reported mistreatment were urged to appear before the current Denver County grand jury probing police brutality. Mrs. Piccoli said a report of the investigation will be sent to Gov. John Love. In the mean time hearings will be closed to the press. Mayor Tom Currigan reccomended to the City Council that a Professional independent investigator be hired immeadetely to review the brutality charges. Mayor Currigan stated “the comission’s concern is the same as mine, we both want to determine if excessive force has been used in these cases.” Mayor Curringan felt that the best way to complete this task was to hire a professional independent investigator rather than have someone from the city do it. Mayor Curringan did not want his actions to be received that he did not trust the police, Mayor Currigan had faith in Police Chief Harold Dill and Safety Manager Dan Hoffman. Mayor Currigan felt that to be fair to minority groups and the police an impartial investigator must be used. Currigan stated that if he got the ok from the City Council an investigator would be hired.’ All of the persons in this instance were minoritycitizens soon they would become fed up with the way they were being treated and call for the removal of Dill. Tuesday November 22, 1967 Police Chief Harold Dill was forced to resign by Mayor Currigan. The resignation will be effective Dec. 31. At the same time Safety Manager Hugh McClearn informed Mayor Currigan that he was considering a return to private practice. Mayor Curringan had been under fire for sometime from minority groups that were calling for Dill to step down. During summer 1967 racial minority groups were frequently in Currigan’s office to protest alleged police brutality and complain about how police handled racial situations. Currigan felt it was in the best interest of the city to ask Dill to step down, Currigan also mentioned that he and Dill were still good friends. Curtigan said that if he could find a qualified applicant inside the department. He would not look outside the department, finding a new chief will take some time. Dill had been with Denver police since 1935 except for a short stint in World War Il, Dill had been a policeman for 32 % years. Dill stated that he retired at Mayor Currigans request. Dill himslef had no plans to retire. Dill said that the Denver police were doing a very good job and that most of the public and the press seemed happy. Dill denied that he had been forced because of issues with the police departments handling of racial issues. ill did not feel that crime or the racial situation in Denver was out of hand. Chief Dill said he was very proud of the fact that during his four years as Chief Denvers crime rate had decreased. Dill noted that Denver was the only large city that had a lower crime rate during 1963-1967. There were some City Council members including President Carl DeTemple and Paul Hentzell were surprised that Currigan fired Dill. Hentzell stated that he did not know all the details but felt that Dill was doing a fine job. DeTemple was completely surprised by Currigansaction DeTemple said that Currigan did not consult with them. Councilman Ernest Marranzino had a strong reaction he said “The forced resignation of Police Chief Harold Dill is an injustice to a dedicated police officer.” Marrazino pointed out that Currigan was elected on a platform to clean up the police. Harold Dill was cleaning up the department with more fortitude than his supervisors. Dills leadership restored police moral and while the nations crime rate went up and civil unrest increased the Denver police have done their duty and Denver had stayed relatively calm. City Council recently agreed to increase the Cheifs salary to $18,000. Currigan also made a bill that would increase the police cheifs retirment benefits. This was done to make the job more attractive to the new police chief. * Many citizens and business owners were very unhappy that Curriagn fired Dill. There ‘were numerous letters and phone calls. Former Colorado governor Teller Ammons felt that Currigans actions were purely political and that Currigan had double crossed the people of Denver. Ammons felt that action should be taken against Currigan because of how important it was in the last election that Dill and his officers established a strong police department. Miss Eleanore Wecbaugh and her 91 year old mother Ella thanked Dill for his incredi le dedication and service, Frank O'Ryan stated that it is a shame that politicians want to run the police. O’Ryan felt that Currigan should ask people of Denver about firing Dill. Paul Hallett and wife Pearl felt the Dills record spoke for itself and Currigan should not have fired him even though minority groups were unhappy. Denver Attorney Foster Cline simply stated, “It don’t seem right.” George E. Sanders former secretary of state and Denver resident for 32 years felt that Dill had done the best job in all the years of the Department. Rev. Wi mH. Jones, the superintendent of Denver Catholic schools, stated that himself and the parents of his studentswere saddened by Dills resignation and will miss Dill because he supported many of the Schools events. Di rict Judge Edward J Keating was also dissapointed that Dill was fired he knew that the citizens were losing an excellent Chief. Joseph Hynes the pricipal of Brown Elementary school at 2550 Lowell wrote to Currigan stating that many teachers in Denver Public Schools would be dissapointed because Chief Dill worked very closely with the schools in areas regarding safety, juvenile delinquency and other areas that had minority problems. Mary Morton, the principal of Montclair Elementary school wrote to Currigan that she regretted the decision to fire Dill and sincerely hoped that it would be reconsidered. “It will be a tragedy if Denver loses this man because of the political pressures imposed by a few individuals or groups,” Morton stated. Miss Martha G. Hull the superintendent of Russell JRHS at 541 Tejon St. viewed Dills dismissal with much dismay, she felt that Currigan must reconsider because Dill was a good leader and the safety of Denver citizens may be at stake. Richard F. Finney an assistant pricipal felt that Dills dismissal was ill advised, Finney hoped that Currigan would re evaluate Dill’s worth to the community and the department and consider reinstatement. Denver restraunt operator Bernard J. Duffy was shocked and felt Dill had done a very 00d job under adverse conditions. Mrs. Ethel M Rines wandered if Dill had done too good a job and wanted to know what the minority groups wanted done that Dill did not accomplish.” A wife of a local auto mechanic was so distraught tht she couldn't see straight. She hoped that allthe police walked out in protest because it was what they ought to do. She felt that this was Curtigan’s biggest goof. Angry citizens wanted to know why Dill and the police were unpopular in Northeast Denver a area with large numbers of black people when recent surveys showed that 95 percent of residents in the area were happy with police service rating it “good toexcellent” while the other 5 percent just wanted more beat cops and patrol cars. Denver policemen felt that Dill supported them and were unsure if the new chief would be as supportive as Dill. Would the new chief support the men as much?** In December 1967 continued outcry over the resignation of Chief Dill continued. “I've never seen anything like it,” one of Dills aides stated regarding the continued protests, People have even been going to the Chiefs office hoping to hear news that the forced retirement has been reconsidered. Denver District Atty Mike McKevlit declared that Dills policies during. summer 1967 were a major factor in averting riots. Wyoming Atty. General James E. Barrett let Dill know that he regretted the news of Dills resignation and that citizens fo the Rocky Mountain West owe Dill thanks and gratitude. Former Glenwood Springs chief and current Gilette Wyoming police Chief Louie Pappas felt that Dill had done an excellent job and garnered “national recogntion’ for the Denver Police. Ed Flint principal of Grant Jr. High on S. Washington wanted to make sure Currigan understood he was “Crucifying the man who made his administration look good.” Flint also stated that this was the first time he had been dissapointed with Currigan’s administration he felt it was a sad day when only the offender had rights. Pricipal Lindsey D. Keeler of Pitts school was shocked by Dills firing. “Denver is due for a break in morale in the police if Dill resigns,” riots are now possible. Denver Atty. Wayne Williams was dismayed and surprised by Currigans action because “Dill took a demoralized police department and rebuilt it. Attorney Walter Scherer was “shocked and angered because in his opinion Denver has the best police department in its history.” William Gass president of Denver's 18" Street area complex was astonished because he had “utmost confidence in Dill’s judgement and endeavors.” Geroge C. Moore felt that the move to fire Dill “was the mostflagrant bit of stupidity that Currigan was guilty of to date.” Moore signed his letter “a former supporter.” Business owner James B. Jurgens told Currigan “ you have undoubtetly made the biggest blunder of your allready disastrous political carrer It is a shame that people of Denver have to pay the price for you incompetence and endure your decisions for another 3 % years. Denver architect Clarence Stafford hope that Dill would remain with the department rather than retiring. Small businessman R.P. Hicks said “perhaps the mayor will reconsider under pressure from the law abiding majority, he has done lasting damage to himself and his party.” Charles Harrison accused Currigan of “not having the moral strength or courage to withstand unjustified pressures.” Wilber Young li, President of Young Electric & Manufacturing Company and sales manger James M. Humphrey Jr. wrote a letter to Currigan signed by all 19 employees, “We are 100 percent against Dill’s retirement. It is a sad day for Denver when a public servant is rewarded for outstanding sevice by dismissal.” Joseph N. Lilly a lawyer wrote to the Chief “In my opinion you have done on hell of a good job and we will all miss you.” James R. Walsh wrote “There is no admiration for Currigan by citizens for this action, He must learn that he too serves at the wish of the people and he can correct his mistake before it becomes too late.” Mrs. M. Gaines of La junta felt that Currigan was envious of Dill having a “bigger salary.”*” Maybe Currigan was getting jealous because he thought Dill was more respected and looked up to the he was in Denver. Many residents and business owners in Denver especially white and upper middle class ones liked and respected Dill as the police chief, but the increasing pressure put upon Mayor Currigan from minority groups forced him to fire Dill and replace him with a ‘man Named George Seaton. Currigan felt that Seaton was more in tune with minority issues and would be better for the City of Denver as a whole.10 In December 1967 George Seaton was named the new Chief by Mayor Currigan. The 55- year- old Seaton came from the departments detective bureau. When Currigan announced Seatons appointment he reminded everyone that police departments must be “sensitive to todays’s social problems.” Currigan knew that the two most important issues facing every major America city were rising crime and the struggle for social equality. Law Enforcement plays a vital role in both of these areas. Todays complex society demands much more responsibility from its police authorities than ever before. To accept this responsibility, todays police departments must be exceptionally well trained, well equiped and sensitive to todays social problems. “I am proud and pleased to announce Capt. George Seaton of our own Denver Police Department to the position of Chief as of Jan 1, 1968.” Chief Seaton had an excellent prior record and was subject to intensive screening. Seaton was among 14 department command officers screened by a special 7 member committee headed by Kansas City police chief Clarence Kelley. Seaton’s Denver police career spans nearly 22 years and has given him experience in nearly every bureau and patrol area in the department. In 1959, the police Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) was created to conduct investigations and Seaton was one of the first officers assigned to it. Later the same year Seaton was one of the officers assigned to the department's first narcotics squad with Stan Cayou, now a lieutenant with the Vice Bureau. Seaton and Cayou both grauated from the first 80 hour course conducted by the Treasury Departments Federal Bereau of Narcotics. In the last five years Seaton has completed a Homicide Seminar at the University of Colorado and a Seminar at the University of Oklahoma on Problems in Police administration. Seaton has been a Denver resident since 1940. Some of Seatons prioities are; improvement of community relations with Denver minority groups, an allaw out attack on rising juvenile crime in the city, increased emphasis on in-service police training and education, including bolstering of continuing education at the college level for Denver policemen, Incerasing manpower to about 900 men. Seaton had not yet decided on who the division chiefs will be. When it came to police relations with minority citizens, Seaton said a Denver police officer “ has to realize what problems face poor and minority districts and still be prepared to deal with trouble.” Violence has to be controlled. There is no place for riots and mobs in our society. Seaton believes that issues can be dealt with without creating more problems. Seaton also wanted improvements to be made to a Police Science course that was offered at Metropolatin State College of Denver. “Many of the younger officers in the Depatment have attended college and some have degrees.” “Every department needs more police,” We never seem to have enough.” “Police work is getting more difficult all the time.” Noting that juvenile crime was on the rise in Denver and nationally Seaton made it known that he is planning to reinforce the juvenile bureau. Of 23 individuals currently assigned to the juvenile bureau, four are civillian employees, 17 are detectives and two are partolmen. Of the 19 officers in the bureau three officers are assigned to bicycle theft section, one to child wefare and one each to Juvenile Hall and Juvenile court, 11 officers in the section are assigned to general duty. Seaton feels jueniles are responsible for a majority of burglary, larceny and auto ‘theft offenses in Denver. Seaton hopes to increase the number of officers assigned to the juvenile bureau to “at least 35 or 40.” In January of 1968 the Denver Post reported a story about new police Chief Seaton and ‘a meeting he held with minority leaders to discuss his new policies. These groups were very critical of how they had been and were currently treated during interactions with Denver police2 officers. Seaton described how he viewed police-minority relations and how he planned to improve them. The minority leaders came away from the luncheon very impressed and pleased with Seaton’s plans to improve relations between the two groups. Chief Seaton told the minority leaders that he would need their help for his new plan to be effective. Seaton let the leaders know that he already had spoken with the Denver Civil service commission about revising or replacing tests that made it difficult for minority police officers to get promoted. Seaton also described plans to seek out more minority police officers particularly among servicemen returning from Vietnam. Seaton also endorsed the idea of hiring persons from the minority groups to aid the police in better understanding the minority group’s needs. The Thing ‘that most impressed the minority leaders was Seaton’s attitude, he made a promise to them that the department was working hard to change its image so that citizens would look at policemen as friendly and helpful not just as someone to strong-arm and harass them. Even though the leaders were happy with Seaton’s plan it took some time to see if it worked and made the minority population happy. All major cities have issues with police-minority tensions but Denver could take pride in knowing Seaton understood these tensions and is working hard to get broader public support for the police under his leadership.* This was one of the first examples of Seaton’s commitment to improve relations with minority groups. In January of 1968 retired police Chief Harold Dill was in the news again. “I think the kids of today are better educated and informed, are more mature and recognize their responsibilty better than kids in my day.” He stated that in Denver there were about 1300 adults and juveniles responsible for burglaries.13 A proposed city firearms ordinance to require all residents to register guns and prevent persons of dubious stability or reputations from owning guns is being drafted by police officials for presentation to city council was revealed by Chief Seaton. If enacted an implmented within 60 days as Seaton hopes the new ordinance would strenghten existing concealed carry laws, it would also provide police with another tool for more effective control of crime. Failure to register a firearm with police under the new rules could result in a $300 fine a 90 day jail sentence or both. Seaton emphasized “ This is not designed in any way to take guns away from legitimate hunters or any other person.” Seaton feels that people can keep weapons to protect their homes and families and for sport but feels this law will help get guns out of the hands of criminals, the mentally deranged or unstanble and juveniles. Seaton noted that a meeting with City Councilmen Irving S. Hook and Paul A. Hentzell for the proposal received favorable reviews from both and that a draft will be presented to the council in about a week. Present ordinances require retail dealers to fill out police registration slips upon sale of any firearm and forward two copies to the police. One copy is filed under the purchasers name and the other under the gun’s serial number. There is no exact count of gun registrations in Denver. 13 filing cabinets are filled with thousands of registration slips in a small room at the police building. Slips filed under the owners names are kept for 20 years and serial numer slips for 40 years. Existing ‘ordinaces make it illegal to carry a concealed weapon without a permit or to discharge a firearm with in city limits. Guns may not be sold to minors, anyone who is intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, appears in an excited or unstable state, or any person unable to several, different types of proper identification. The proposed ordinance follows the Federal Firearms Act of 1933, would outlaw posession of sawed off shotguns or rifles and fully automatic14 machine guns. If the new law is passed a 45 to 60 day period would follow to allow residents of the city to register their firearms, either at poloce headquarters or at the local station. After that time period has elapsed persons living in the city found with unregistered firearms in their posession could be jailed and charged with the ordinance violation and the weapon confiscated Until the trial is complete. Registration information would be checked by police against arrest records. Anyone found having a record of insanity, narcotics or violence would immeaditely be in violation of the ordinance and charges would be filed. Seaton told police not to worry about, the con tionality of the ordinance it would be taken care of, Seaton hopes that gun registration information can eventually be fed into a police computer to expedite the process of checking against crimes involvong guns. People who want to use firearms for crime will get them, even if they have to steal them. Police often stop people carrying stolen guns and trace the guns back to burglaries. This law would help improve the clearance rate in burglaries. Posession of a stolen gun is evidence of crime wheter it be theft or buying it from someone that, stole it. To achieve maximun effectiveness Seaton hopes the law will be area wide. The U.S. Treasury Department's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax unit recently provided Denver police with information on firearms laws in various states. Only Hawaii requires registration of all firearms, New York is the only state requiring a liscesnse for a handgun. The only time Colorado is mentioned in national gun laws is states requiring a person to carry a license for a concealed handgun. The new ordinance would also require registration of “any other dangerous weapon” that “shoots a projectile or gas by any explosion,” including tear gas pistols which use blank cartridges to fire. Also outlawed are brass knuckles, switch blade knives, bazookas, grenade launchers and cannons. Chief Seaton wants to make the law fair noting that this law is15, aimed at people carrying guns in their vehicle or no their person, not keeping guns in their homes. Seaton sees no conflict with the new ordinance and recent search and siezure rulings handed down by the supreme court. Posession of an unregistered firearm is a violation of the proposed ordinance. People registering weapons that have no previous papers describing the gun and containing the serial number would be required to bring the gun to a police station for ‘examination and recording by an officer." These new gun laws would increase safety in Denver. In July 1968 there was an article in the Rocky Mountain News where Police Chief Seaton states that Vigilantes were not needed in Denver. Seaton felt the answer to Denver's police problem was to recruit and train more officers not have civilian patrols acting as vigilantes. Seaton was concerned that the ci n patrols were an effort to “push the police out of town.”"* Seaton was worried that civilian patrols could get out of hand and remind people of time: American history when angry mobs burned crosses and lynched people. Seaton did not want to take away the rights of citizens to defend their homes and neighborhoods, but felt that patrols that included blacks particularly in Northeast Denver would meet resistance from whites. Captain Doral Smith of the Northeast patrol division felt that it was best to not have patrols for fear that they could easily escalate into violent mobs.”” In January 1968 Patrol Division Chief Stan Cayou stated “Officers will no longer carry night sticks on their persons.” Replacing the night stick will be chemical mace. The Mace cannisters cost about $8 each. The range of the Mace is about 12 to 20 feet. The immediate effects are irritation of the eyes and weakness of the entire body lasting up to a half hour. Each cannister of mace will fire roughly 40 1 second bursts or one long 60 second spray. The16 containers will be carried in a holster like device on the officers equipment belt. The senior officer in each police car will carry the weapon. Designed as a substitute for night sticks, manufactures of mace state that mace is in use in dozens of U.S. cities and has vast possibilities in riot prevention and contol. According to the company one whiff of mace is enough to make even the most belligerent person as docile as a kitten. Mace is being tried on an “experimental basis” in Denver initial reactions among officers have been favorable. Mace Is far more humane than trying to subdue unruly rioters by beating them with a nightstick. A number of officers had previously purchased mace on their own and been very impressed. Under a new order officers are prohibited from responding to certain calls that do not require nightsticks wearing the sticks on their belts. Another reason switching to mace is good is the fact is the police image of a storm trooper with a nightstick and a riot helmet. The officers are just trying to change their image to help them do their job better.® In May of 1968 the Denver police resumed carrying mace. Medical tests found that Mace does not have long term negative effects. Seaton stressed to all police officers to use chemical Mace to subdue individuals when considerable force is necessary. Mace must not be used indiscrimanetly and should be used with discretion and sound judgement. Seaton requires that all officers make incident reports when mace is used, one of the reasons for this 50 command officers can evaluate it’s effectiveness. Because Mace is considered humane the have invested $4500 in the chemical. ? Denver p In early May of 1968 Denver police were ordered verbally by Police Chief Seaton to restrict the use of mace. Officers were told to use mace with caution and only when necessary for self defense. Seaton stated that mace, nightsticks and the service revolver will remain7 standard equipment. Seaton feel that all offficers on the street are entitled to protect themselves and Seaton feels that mace is more humane than a gun or nightstick. Dr. William ‘Stewart, U.S. surgeon general warned that because mace is an irritan may have some transient effects on an exposed individual. Seaton pointed out the fact that the surgeon generals order doesn’t give “any documentary proof” that mace is dangerous. Earlier tests by the Food and Drug administrtion declared mace to be safe. If new studies came out proving mace could be harmful Seaton announced he would cease using it. So far the Denver police have used mace only when needed and never on a large crowd. Some still feel that mace is harmless but government health officials recently said that mace can cause serious eye damage.”” Seaton decided to resrict the use of mace until the food and drug administration could conduct further tests to determine if mace is safe. In November 1968 Denver public Defender Edward Sherman filed suit on his own behalf to obtain the right to represent suspects during a police lineup. In a complaint filed by Sherman in Denver District Court against Seaton, Safety Manager Howard K. Phillips and the Denver Police Department, Sherman felt that controversy had arisen about the meaning of U.S. Supreme court decisions on the rights of suspects in police lineups. Sherman felt there were differences in the manner that lineups were conducted and the rights attorneys had in representing suspects placed in lineups. According to Sherman on June 12, 1967 the Supreme Court ruled that every suspect in a criminal case who Is placed in a lineup for indentification purposes has the constitutional right to have his attorney present. Sherman noted when filing the action nearly every day attorneys from his office called to go to the lineup. Sherman feels that now because attorneys are not permitted to be present identifications maybe influenced18 bythe police. Sherman also feels that once people identify someone in a lineup they rarely change their minds. Sherman's complaint that suspects in lineups have their rights violated when the suspect and their attorney can’t speak to witnesses to know if the witness attended a previous lineup for the same offense. Lawyers are also denied from inquiring immeadetely after the lineups are conducted to inquire if an identification has been made and if there are any doubts about the indentification. Laywers are also prohibited form asking witnesses if they have previously identified any other person related with the alleged crime or whether witnesses had been shown photgraphs, and what the initial description was which was given to the police, Sherman's suit also stated that many times police officers do not give laywers enough time to appear on their clients behalf. Sherman feels the action will be beneficial to both sides because police would like to know what they can do too.”* Seaton and his immediate surperior new safety manager Howard K. Phillips will be swom in by District Judge Neil Horan. Mayor Currigan said Seaton “Will give aggressive and enlightened leadership to the present department.””” Seaton feels ther are many areas the Denver Police can improve upon. Seaton wants to improve and strengthen the present community relations program and institute a intense recruit training program. The resignation of Dill was reportedly requested by Currigan because of Dill’s lack of enthusiasism for Currigans community rela ns ideas, especially when it involved minoritites. Seaton joined the denver police department as a patrolman on April 10, 1946. He bacame a detective June 1, 1954, sergeant on March 16, 1955, a lieutenant on October 10, 1960 and a Captain onAugist 1, 1965. Seaton was one of the 15 canidates who took a written examination and took part in Oral Interviews with a panel appointed by Currigan to find a new chief.”19 In late Dec 1967 Chief Seaton decided to attack the causes of racial disturbances and contain them. Seaton said in an interview that racial disturbances in Denver are a possibility. There may be groups in the city intent on causing disturbances. If such groups exist Seaton intends to find out who they are. It is believed that former Chief Dills lack of sensitivity towards racial and ethnic minorities was behind his firing. Seaton wantd to instill more discipline in the department. “There will be an inspection system, and if a man isn’t a supervisor, he isn’t going to get the pay or carry the stripes.” “The police burglary scandal was brought on by a failure of supervision.” Factors that can lead to racial riots in Denver include the challenges faced by some minority groups in finding both government and private sector jobs. Other factors include Poor housing and schools that are below par especially in the Northeast section of Denver. Seaton feels that a change in police attitudes and policies need to be put in place and Seaton will uti e in service training for recruits and every member o the force all the way to the top. Standards for policemen must also be raised because officers need to understand the people they are serving. Training will have to be updated every year because of new laws and changes in the people. Seaton wants to study the actual causes of crime. For that help the police will seek out Sociologists that work at colleges. Specific policies in writing will be worked out to cover every situation a policeman may find himself in so that officers will know how to best conduct themselves in every situation. Even though there is a possibility of racial issues Seaton is not overly concerned with it. Most of the recent racial confrontations involved youngsters that were “out fora frolic””> Modern patrolmen must use better judgement, restraint and be more tolerant. Police officers must be able to take abuse and develop a thick skin. Officers must understand why an indvidual is being offensive and learn to distinguish the difference20 between someone that is a criminal and a person that is just upset. Search and Seizure must be handled better. The practice of stopping people and frisking them with out a warrant unless there is suspicion of a crime can be illegal so is randomly stopping and searching cars. There is no reason to harras motorists because they look like they are doing the wrong thing. Seaton blamed lack of policy enforcement for strained relations between the police and the public. It is not necessary to go over the top with public relations but police should treat citizens with respect at all times. Seaton wants a detoxification center established for alcoholics to sober up. The project has been urged from Judge William H. Burnett because he feels jail sentences do not help alcoholics get better.”* In late Dec 1967 Chief Seaton wanted to recruit more minority officers. Seaton wanted to make a special effort to encourage African American patrolmen to study for and take the Sergeant examination. Currently there are no black police officers above the rank of patrolman, There is one Lieutenant and two Sergeants that have Spanish surnames and three black detectives. Seaton felt that all three of the Negro detectives could pass the Sergeant exam. “There is no conflict at all between them and the White men on the force.””” Seaton wants the police department to make a special effort to hire more Black, Spanish and other minorities to become members of the force. Seaton hopes to hire 50 more officers to bring the force up to an acceptable figure. Denver has a ratio of about 1.5 officers per 1,000 population but the national average in 2.0 and some cities have 2.5, Seaton is considering assigning Civilians to jobs within the department to allow more officers to be on the streets. One part of the department that Seaton wants to adjust is the section that deals with community relations. Seaton wants it expanded and well qualified personnel assigned, some officers currently2 assigned are not qualified. Police have always helped people that asked for help. Seaton wants to go seek those people out so they do not have to come to the police, Seaton opposed a citizen review board; he feels that the department should clear own house. If there are bad policemen on the force do not hide them just get rid of them. Seaton did not have much to say about a report issued in early December by attorney Frank Plaut. Plaut was under contract through the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The report accused unnamed officers of diser nation when dealing with minority groups. The report also made accusations of misconduct not related to discrimination. Seaton agreed with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that an accused person had the right to have an attorney present at every stage of Proceedings. Denver is the only police force the Texas born Seaton has been a member of. During World War II Seaton served in the Army Air Corps at Lowry and Wright Patterson airbases. He was recalled during the Korean War and was in charge of armament instructors at Lowry.* In May of 1968 the Denver police K9 section was barred from participating in crowd control situations, Captain Robert Javenger of the downtown district said that the written notification was read to all officers following a disturbance in the area of 20" Street and Glenarm PI. When a patrolman radioed for a K9 unit after and unruly crowd of about 500 persons began to throw rocks and bottles at officers. The first patrolmen at the scene reported shots fired by an unknown person in the crowd. When the K9 units arrived the dogs were unloaded and the crowd quickly dispersed. Javenger stated this is not the actual purpose of the dogs. “We don’t like to use the dogs in crowd situations because they can inflict serious damage.” In cases where an unruly crowd or a riot is present the dogs should be used to22 protect the command post. When crowds are unruly itis bad to use the dogs because other means would be more effective. Jevanger added “If officers are attacked or about to be overrun, department policy is that officers may use any means of protection for themselves jided between including guns, mace, helmets, sticks or dogs.” Denver Police have 10 K9 Cars di ‘the Northeast and Downtown districts. Captain Doral Smith the Northeast commander had already implemented the policy in his district. The Dogs greatest effect on a crowd is the psychological one. If the crowd is getting dangerous and innocent persons may be hurt or killed every means available including dogs should be utilized.” In March 1972 Seaton was again in the Denver Post commenting on the Denver Police Department. Seaton felt bad about the low numbers of minority officers in the department. Seaton had plans to increase the number of minority officers since he became chief in 1968. He told members of the oil club that there were more black and Hispanic officers than in 1968 from 20 to 40 black officers and 18 to 57 Hispanic officers. Seaton said that this was still not enough and that no department in the country had enough minority policemen. Seaton also pointed out that recruitment from minority areas was a problem. Seaton felt that Blacks and Hispanics were not encouraged to join the force in their neighborhoods and often heavily criticized when they did become police officers. Seaton also stated that the recent recruitment campaigns in minority areas did not achieve the results he had hoped for, Seaton said that the department was 100 men under its current allotted number and if 50 to 100 of the new officers were minorities that would be great for Denver. But Seaton did not have much hope of those numbers being a reality, Seaton said the department was still stressing community relations23 and “The department is training all officers to cut out racial slurs and treat all people like human beings.””” Also in March 1972 the Denver Post reported that Seaton put out a memo to all police officers to curb firearm use. Officers were now not to use firearms to fire warning shots, shoot at fleeing vehicles and the only time that it was ok to shoot a fleeing felon was if the felon was armed, dangerous and was posing a threat to the officer or to other citizens. Seaton felt that this would cut down on the number of questionable shootings especially when minorities were involved.* ‘When Dill was fired and Seaton became the Chief, Seaton wanted to improve community relations and hire more nonwhite officers. This was a great idea, if a city that has people of different races living in it the police department should have multicultural officers as well. In the current Denver police department and other local cities such as Aurora, Thornton and Lakewood the need for Spanish speaking officers has increased since the late 1960s due to the increasing number of Spanish only speaking immigrants that have come to Denver from Mexico, Central and South America. Big cities like Denver will continue to face issues with policing involving minority groups that feel marginalized and victimized by the criminal justice system. Many of Seaton’s ideas to include minorities in police matters will help ease tensions because minorities will fell that they are a valuable part of the community. * Rocky Mountain News Nov 23, 1967, 7.24 * samuel Walker, The New World of Police Accountability (Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 2008), 1. ? Walker, The New World of Police Accountability, 2. “ Walker, The New World of Police Accountability, 70. S walker, The New World of police Accountability, 135. Robert Fogelson, Big City Policing (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1977), 222. ” Denver Post, March 12, 1964, 25 * Rocky Mountain News Nov, 22, 1967, 5. * Rocky Mountain News Nov 22 1967, 7 * Rocky Mountain News Nov, 26, 2967, 5. Rocky Mountain News Nov, 26, 1967, 6 * Rocky Mountain News Dec, 2, 1967, 36 ® Rocky Mountain News Dec 30, 1967 5. * Denver Post Jan 15, 1968, 14 * Rocky Mountain News June 13, 1968. * Rocky Mountain News July 4, 1968, 17. ” Rocky Mountain News July 4, 1968, 17. * Rocky Mountain News Jan 9, 1968, 8. * Rocky Mountain News May, 15 1968, ® Denver Past May, 5, 1968 1. ® Denver Post, Friday Nov 15, 1968, 19, ® Denver Post, Friday Dec 29, 1967, 1. ® Denver Post, Friday Dec 29, 1967, 1 * Denver Post, Sunday December, 31, 1967 17. * Denver Post Sunday December, 31 1967, 17. * Denver Post, December 31, 1967, 17. » Denver Post, December 31, 1967, 19. * Denver Post, December 31, 1967. 19. ® Rocky Mountain News May 23, 1968, 55. ® Denver Post Mar 14, 1972, 3. * Denver Post March 6, 1972, 2.