Denver Cuts Police Budget by $8.4M Amid Migrant Crisis; Three Officers Fired for Disparaging Texts

Denver Police Department has terminated the employment of three police officers due to their involvement in sharing offensive messages about illegal immigrants in a group chat. The messages, which were discovered during an internal investigation, were described as "disparaging" and "abhorrent" by the department. The officers, who were still in their probationary period after graduating from the Denver Police Academy, joked about using newcomer shelters for target practice, prompting their immediate termination.

Incident and Investigation

On April 4, 2024, the Denver Police Department (DPD) became aware of the disturbing messages shared in a group chat among officers who had undergone training together. This prompted an immediate investigation into the matter. The investigation revealed that on March 27, 2024, three officers had posted the offensive messages in the group chat, leading to their termination.

Termination of Officers

According to the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training action report, the officers involved were identified as Rodrigo Basurto, Meagan Joy, and Scot Persichette. Their termination was categorized as "for cause," indicating the severity of their actions. The DPD emphasized that the messages contradicted the department's mission and values and showed disrespect not only to newcomers and the community but also to fellow officers working to ensure the safety of all residents.

Department's Response and Community Impact

The DPD expressed its dismay at the nature of the shared messages, emphasizing that they were fundamentally opposed to the department's mission and values. The department acknowledged the offensive nature of the messages and the negative impact they had on the community and fellow officers. The incident not only tarnished the reputation of the involved officers but also raised concerns about the attitudes and values held by some members of the department.

Broader Context: Migrant Crisis in Denver

The termination of the officers came against the backdrop of a larger migrant crisis in Denver. The city has experienced an influx of migrants, which has strained its resources significantly. In response to this situation, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has had to make difficult budgetary decisions, including cutting approximately $8.4 million (1.9%) from the Denver Police Department's budget. This decision reflects the urgent need to allocate resources to address the challenges posed by the surge in migrants.

In May 2024, Denver city officials released a comprehensive guide, referred to as a "playbook," aimed at providing support to other cities in accommodating "migrant newcomers." The playbook outlines 15 steps to help cities effectively manage the integration of migrants into local communities and shares best practices and procedures. Notably, the guide employs the term "newcomers" to describe migrants, emphasizing a more inclusive approach to addressing the challenges posed by this demographic.

Future Steps and Reactions

The termination of the officers involved in sharing offensive messages marks a decisive step taken by the Denver Police Department to uphold its values and maintain the trust of the community. The swift action taken in response to the incident demonstrates the department's commitment to holding its members accountable for their conduct.

The broader context of the migrant crisis and the strategies implemented by the city to address this issue reflects the ongoing efforts to navigate a complex and challenging situation. As Denver continues to grapple with the impact of the influx of migrants, the city's initiatives, including budgetary reallocations and the dissemination of best practices through the playbook, showcase its commitment to responding to the needs of both the existing community and the newcomers.