Denver Police's Witness-Description Computer System Under Fire - the Denver Post 2/28/12 3:33 PM

Denver police's witness-description computer system under fire - The Denver Post 2/28/12 3:33 PM

Newsletter: Sign In | Register Commenting: Sign In | Register February 28, 2012 1

HOME | MEDIA KIT | SIGN UP FOR BREAKING NEWS EMAIL ALERTS | PHOTO GALLERIES

News Politics Sports Business Entertainment Lifestyles Opinion Travel Your Hub Shopping Autos Real Estate Jobs Classifieds

WEEKLY AD SPECIALS FROM THE DENVER POST Search Site

Home > Denver & the West

POPULAR TALKERS RECOMMENDED YEAR AGO COPS AND COURTS PRINT EMAIL Photos: NBA Cheerleaders Denver police's witness-description computer 29 COMMENTS Photos: The Broncos cheerleaders calendar Auction of Green Gables golf club items ends system under fire today

By Jessica Fender POSTED: 02/15/2012 01:00:00 AM MST Apple announces event, iPad 3 launch expected The Denver Post UPDATED: 02/15/2012 08:18:16 AM MST Bill would increase disclosures by Colorado homeowners associations Witness descriptions of criminal suspects are often overwritten in computer records to reflect Oil prices slip, while gas climbs to national average of $3.70 the descriptions of suspects later taken into custody by police, a Denver detective testified Developers envision an 'airport city' around DIA recently. Horror stories prompt industry group to ask Colorado to regulate HOA man Defense attorneys say the system's flaws hide potentially exculpatory evidence, but the Denver Parker: Fodor's puts Denver on the map with its Police Department denied that any evidence is intentionally overwritten or withheld. top 10 list Detroit automakers adding thousands of workers as sales surge Police spokesman Lt. Matt Murray on Tuesday said the detective who testified misunderstood how the computer record system works, and Murray promised a departmentwide refresher course on how to take and preserve witness statements. Subscribe to our Afternoon Newsletter "We have some inconsistencies we need to address in the department. We're clearly not doing it Email Address right all the time," Subscribe Murray said. "It's an officer's duty to report their observations. BLOG: THE RAP SHEET We feel strongly about getting that right." » See a sample afternoon newsletter here

Murray couldn't say how frequently such problems may occur. FRONT PAGE Some Colorado lawmakers' daily-expense increase

Some defense attorneys believe these mistakes are intentional. stirs controversy Race, ethnicity, neighborhoods draw attention in redistricting of Denver council seats Inaccurate or incomplete information from police, they say, Colorado post offices see increase in marijuana affects a prosecutor's ability to determine whether to pursue packages charges and the ability of the accused to build effective defenses. Teen gunman kills 1 student, wounds 4 at Ohio high school; motive unknown

"Their method is completely flawed," said Michael Sheehan, a FRONT PAGE: LOCAL NEWS The Denver Post's crime and courts Denver defense attorney. "Who knows how many people's due- Prosecutors in Limon cop killing: Abused wife reporters take you beyond the press wanted man dead release in this blog, with stories about process rights have been violated?" crooks, cops and kooks. Dance workshops bring 1930s Balboa back to life for dancers in Denver He said he discovered the discrepancies "by accident" during a Murphy: More days might solve DPS school daze trial in December — and quickly became alarmed. 17,000 Coloradans receive flawed voter registration cards from D.C.-based group

Sheehan was representing 25-year-old Marcus Montoya in an Arapahoe County burglary case. FRONT PAGE: BUSINESS NEWS Parker: Fodor's puts Denver on the map with its top Prosecutors brought up Montoya's conviction — along with two other men — in a 2009 burglary 10 list in Denver, intending to show a criminal pattern. Like Wyoming, Utah finds high wintertime ozone http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19966854 Page 1 of 7 Denver police's witness-description computer system under fire - The Denver Post 2/28/12 3:33 PM

in Denver, intending to show a criminal pattern. Like Wyoming, Utah finds high wintertime ozone pollution near oil, gas wells Colorado companies are elevating the Lake Tahoe In that case, a Denver woman told police she caught a brief glimpse of three Hispanic men as ski area with big investments they fled her home after a break-in. Southwest Airlines opening crew base in Denver

At trial, Sheehan questioned Denver Detective Robin Gray and discovered the victim's original description of the three suspects had vanished from his 2009 police report.

But after further investigation by prosecutors and Sheehan, the Denver woman's original description came to light.

The discovery of the missing evidence resulted in a mistrial. Montoya, already imprisoned on an unrelated charge, has since struck a plea agreement, resulting in no additional prison time.

"It was exculpatory. She said, 'The guy I saw was Mexican,' " Sheehan said. "His last name is Montoya, but he looks like a typical white guy."

On the witness stand, Gray described a 5-year-old electronic report system in which witnesses' first-blush descriptions are routinely overwritten to reflect descriptions of the suspects police later take into custody.

"Obviously, we are going through some growing pains and still have problems," Gray said, according to court transcripts. "Once the detective gets it, as information is updated and clarified and verified, then the information ... in that computer system gets changed and updated and verified."

Gray at first said there was no way to track those changes. He later told investigators that the Recent Activity department's Information Management Unit had never before tried to access and export logs of changes. Login You need to be logged into Facebook to see your friends' recent activity.

Murray said that may have been Gray's understanding of the VersaDex system, but it's not Colorado welfare debit cards used at accurate. casinos, strip clubs - The Denver Post 197 people recommend this. When a detective edits a report, VersaDex generates a somewhat cryptic log — Sheehan Colorado welfare debit cards used at casinos, strip clubs - The Denver Post described it as "gibberish" — noting who made the change, when the change was made and what 62 people recommend this. the original entry indicated. Colorado post offices see increase in marijuana packages - The Denver Post Those reports should be turned over to attorneys prosecuting and defending cases, although 39 people recommend this. Murray admitted this isn't always the case.

Facebook social plugin Officers also should avoid losing original suspect descriptions by writing them into the narrative section of reports, which are less likely to be changed, Murray said.

MOST POPULAR: NEWS: PAST 3 DAYS Gray indicated in court that he understood department policy to be the opposite. Two Colorado women who risked their lives for "In this case, there was a training issue," Murray said. strangers, ending up paral While there's no cure, new drugs have made the Civil-rights attorney David Lane said he plans to take a look at the situation. He doesn't believe a feared disease recede far training issue is to blame and threatened litigation. Snowboarder from Tampa killed at Keystone today; 14th death this season

"These guys aren't stupid. They understand how the system works," Lane said. "When a cop Two killed in Boulder car crash falsifies police reports, it's a crime. If we can make a case against the Denver Police Department Man killed by Englewood police convicted in '97 racially motivated killing of Oumar Di on this, I will go after them as hard as I can." Brother stabbed by brother dies Jessica Fender: 303-954-1244 or [email protected] Colorado Springs jury convicts woman in dragging death of tow-truck driv Follow Jessica Fender on Twitter. Man killed walking on I-70 near Castle Rock Denver church becomes a total blessing for homeless PRINT EMAIL RETURN TO TOP » GET HOME DELIVERY » TERMS OF USE women http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19966854 Page 2 of 7 Denver police's witness-description computer system under fire - The Denver Post 2/28/12 3:33 PM

LIKE THIS ARTICLE? RECOMMEND IT (2 REC'S) ALL READER-RECOMMENDED NEWS Fire out in Denver's West Highland neighborhood, north of West 32nd Aven TOP VIDEO

Language Secret Revealed

Prosecutor: School Some 9/11 Remains Death Toll Rises to 3 Shooter Chose R... Went to Landfill in Ohio School ...

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Colorado post offices see increase in marijuana...

-- SPONSORED LINK -- NJ Teacher Creates Game to Teach About the American Revolution (From DailyMe.com)

Post Poll - Legalize Pot An initiative to legalize limited possession of ARTICLE COMMENTS (29) Login | Sign Up | Email Support marijuana in Colorado for adults has become the first measure to qualify for the November ballot -- read a Is your comment not appearing on the article? Read this. related article. Are you in favor of legalizing limited possession of marijuana in Colorado? You must be registered to comment (your comment will be saved for you while you register). It's quick (it takes about 30 seconds) and we only require your email and name. Comments that include any Yes offensive material are prohibited. By using our site you agree to our terms of use. No » View all this article's 29 comments I don't know.

Vote!

1. Use the "Report Abuse" link when necessary (you don't have to be a member, or be logged in) 2. Keep it clean and respect others — don't use language you wouldn't use with your parents 3. Read the Post's Article Commenting Ground Rules here (link will open in a new window)

TOGGLE: OLDEST FIRST NEWEST FIRST

ALLEN E H 12 days ago

JINX wrote:

ALLEN E wrote:Three times now there has been talk about bringing in the feds. The third time should be sufficient to have the Attorney General's office fulfill the threatened promise of a complete review.

Embarassment is too kind. Immature still misses the mark. "Willful and intentional behavior" on the part of the Denver Police Department warrants another set of eyes.

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19966854 Page 3 of 7 Denver police's witness-description computer system under fire - The Denver Post 2/28/12 3:33 PM

In 2011 the American Civil Liberties Union made a formal request for Justice intervention

The U.S. Justice Department announced that the government was in the early stages of investigating. The Department expressed concern about the number of brutality case settlements.

In a January 2012 article Westword called for federal involvement.

In separate action the feds expressed interest in the Denver Sheriff's Department.

Permalink Report Abuse Reply to this comment

NEWS: RECENT COMMENTS

Comment on Ed secretary Duncan says good 12 days ago Ashley I ideas come from educators, not Washington, D.C. (24 seconds ago) Neither Washington DC nor educators have been able to come up with successful solutions for our jason.bonsignore wrote:Wow not only do the cops lie like crazy their records fail... are unreliable. Comment on Officials: Student brain dead in Ohio shooting (53 seconds ago) Apparently, you don't watch Degrassi. Tough The real headline someday will be "Denver police officer tells the truth!" sentences are the reason things like this don't

happen ... "These guys aren't stupid. They understand how the system works," Lane said. Comment on Haiti seeks to rebuild, or just build, power grid (2 minutes ago) "When a cop falsifies police reports, it's a crime. If we can make a case against That is pretty good when the executive director of the the Denver Police Department on this, I will go after them as hard as I can." Environmental Justice Initiative is afraid he... Comment on Denver Police chief shakes up department, commanders must reapply for jobs Go get these scumbags Mr. Lane! (2 minutes ago) Why do you like it? It's the same command staff as before, but in different positions. The people th... You need to stop sucking down the "trip juice" and chasing it with "Haterade"! Comment on Lawyer: Prosecutor improperly inflamed jury during trial of former Quality Paving Permalink Report Abuse Reply to this comment owner (5 minutes ago) I'm still waiting for the prosecutors to start prosecuting the county employees who were involved in...

Visit the news forum for more discussion

More recent comments on Denver Post news Jason B 13 days ago articles

Postgrad wrote:Enough. Do something City Council and Mayor. Please. How they can continue to ignore the multitude of problems... it's embarrassing. I really am concerned for people who are likely being wrongly accused or targeted. Civil rights issues are at play here in what we've read lately. How can you be a person in power in this city--a judge, a Council member, an attorney-- and not be troubled? Do you have consciences? You can't really be an honest person and dismiss these problems on the basis of the people being not being http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19966854 Page 4 of 7 Denver police's witness-description computer system under fire - The Denver Post 2/28/12 3:33 PM

you or someone you know. Very troubling.

Let's ask these morons:

Five of the three expire at the end of this year -- I suggest we contact Denver City Council and insist on some fresh blood not the same losers 35 years later. And hammer the useless mayor we elected just becuase Romer was a worse option.

Cecilia Mascarenas, term expires 12/31/2012 Neal Berlin, term expires 12/31/2012 Matt Spengler, term expires 12/31/2012

Anna Flores, term expires 12/31/2013 Hillary Potter, term expires 12/31/2013

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

The Denver Civil Service provides recourse for members of the Classified Service to appeal any disciplinary matter in which a Departmental Order of Disciplinary Action (DODA) is issued by the Manager of Safety. The matter will first be assigned to a Hearing Officer for a public hearing. The Hearing Officer may uphold, amend, or overturn the penalty issued in the DODA. As a result, either or both parties in the matter may request that the Hearing Officer's decision be reviewed by the Civil Service Commissioners. Following review of the appeal file, the Commissioners may uphold, amend, or overturn the Hearing Officer's decision. Any disciplinary decision issued by the Commissioners may be appealed to the Denver County District Court.

Permalink Report Abuse Reply to this comment

Teri H 13 days ago

If there is anyone from the Civil Service Commission reading this thread, I have an absolutely serious question to ask, and would appreciate an absolutely serious answer.

What exactly would a police officer have to do in order for you not to demand his/her re-hire? Apparently beating a citizen isn't an egregious enough offense, nor is lying. So just where do you draw the line? I assume there must be a line somewhere, so what is it? Murder? Grand Theft? Arson? Accepting a bribe like the Chicago cops they just caught red-handed? Seriously, what would it take?

Permalink Report Abuse Reply to this comment

john h 13 days ago

This story as well as the others we read about weekly concerning the corruption and incompetence of this agency should serve as a warning to people to stay out of these peoples way. If you have contact with them, guilty or not, there's probably gonna be trouble. Lesson here: NOT WORTH THE RISK, DON'T CALL THEM UNLESS YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE...... http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19966854 Page 5 of 7 Denver police's witness-description computer system under fire - The Denver Post 2/28/12 3:33 PM

CHOICE......

Permalink Report Abuse Reply to this comment

Jeff J 13 days ago

Embarassment is too kind. Immature still misses the mark. "Willful and intentional behavior" on the part of the Denver Police Department warrants another set of eyes.

What will your excuse be if the Feds come and say there isn't a problem. What is it exactly do you think the Feds do? Do you even know any of these answers. This whole statement is a crutch, much like arrested criminals always touting, take your badge off and your nothin. The Feds know whats going on and they don't have a problem with it because guess what, beyond media hype, the problem isn't that big in Denver. Mistakes are made on day to day business, the departement acknowledges it and rectifies it. What information do you have beyond whats reported? Do you have anything of substance to place the department in bad light. Please, the Denver Post sells you newpapers and you hit the web page on glorifications, embellishments and rumors. Thats exactly why all of these officers are getting their jobs back. The ex Manager of Safety thought he could play the political dance in the media and fired anyone he could for any reason. Problem was, he didn't have the standing to do so. The whole thing is a joke.

Permalink Report Abuse Reply to this comment

ALLEN E H 13 days ago

Three times now there has been talk about bringing in the feds. The third time should be sufficient to have the Attorney General's office fulfill the threatened promise of a complete review.

Embarassment is too kind. Immature still misses the mark. "Willful and intentional behavior" on the part of the Denver Police Department warrants another set of eyes.

Permalink Report Abuse Reply to this comment

» View all this article's 29 comments » Bookmark this article » Subscribe to this article's comments

MORE DENVER & THE WEST HEADLINES

Man shot in confrontation in Greeley Trial underway in Supermax inmate killing Ed secretary Duncan says good ideas come from educators, not Washington, D.C. Denver Police chief shakes up department, commanders must reapply for jobs Jurors queried about alcohol consumption, abortion in sex-assault trial of former Bronco Perrish Cox Guests back in Greenwood Village hotel after suspicious liquid raised concerns Check out Denver's Top 10 dog breeds for 2011 CU regent: Outcry over administrators' raises killed 15.7% tuition hike Lakewood approves money to replace faulty police radios Fatal fire near Brush deemed accidental, victim identified More brisk winds today and overnight along the Front Range Mom glad to have kidnapped baby back http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19966854 Page 6 of 7 Denver police's witness-description computer system under fire - The Denver Post 2/28/12 3:33 PM

More brisk winds today and overnight along the Front Range Mom glad to have kidnapped baby back Kyle Dyer talks about dog bite on "Today" show Denver disciplines emergency call operators Colorado artists upset over DIA art commissions Woman told to unlock computer asks for reconsideration Colorado state senators defend per diem increases Bus driver in fatal Denver accident charged with careless driving Preliminary hearing date set for grandmother charged with killing her grandson Boulder couple arrested in road rage incident; gun found in car with kids Private sector executive Jose Cornejo tapped as Denver Public Works manager Race, ethnicity, neighborhoods draw attention in redistricting of Denver council seats Kidnapped 9-month-old back with mom "A-partisan," hands-on Hickenlooper says president, even VP, isn't a job for him Colorado welfare debit cards used at casinos, strip clubs

Man shot in confrontation in Greeley Kyle Dyer talks about dog bite on "Today" show Trial underway in Supermax inmate killing Cheap theater tickets? Take your chance on the lottery for Green Day's "American Idiot" Ed secretary Duncan says good ideas come from educators, not Washington, D.C. Photos: Meet the "Dancing With the Stars" cast for Season 14

SPORTS Rockies | Avs | Nuggets | Preps | RSS | More OPINION Columnists | Letters | Cartoon | RSS Rockies Mailbag: Where does Colorado's pitching staff rank in the NL? Editorial: New hiring rules for 21st century Newly acquired Jamie McGinn helps "shore up" Colorado Littwin: Rick Santorum, man of faith — and vomit Avalanche offense Editorial: Speaking up for abused seniors Nuggets' situation with Wilson Chandler is complicated

WATERCOOLER Arcade | Crossword | Sudoku BUSINESS Balance Sheet Blog | Penny Parker | Tech Hank the cat in Virginia sets sights on US Senate Dow closes above 13,000 for first time since 2008 Faint barking leads to dog stuck in Pa. cistern 7 accused of bilking $375M from Medicare, Medicaid La. chimpanzees get pregnant despite vasectomies Yahoo seeking patent windfall from Facebook frontier airlines Flights For Cheap frontier airlines Air Fare Sale. Find the Cheapest Fares Free Online Quotes For Flights - Compare Book frontier airlines Fares Now. Save up Now. Sale Ends Soon And Save Over 50% to $112 Today www.whatscheaper.com CheapAirlines.com EscapeWizard.com/Frontier_Airlines

Ads by Yahoo!

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19966854 Page 7 of 7