Denver police chief recommends firing officer in beating incident - The Denver Post

Denver police chief recommends firing officer in beating incident - The Denver Post

Denver Police Chief Gerry Whitman has recommended termination for Officer Devin Sparks, who was accused of using unnecessary force in the beating of a citizen in Lower Downtown, according to Nick Rogers, president of the Police Protective Association.

Rogers condemned Whitman's decision, saying that months ago the chief had recommended a six-day suspension for Sparks and a three-day suspension for Cpl. Randy Murr, who was also investigated in the beating of then 23-year-old Michael DeHerrera.

Since Whitman made those recommendations, Rogers said, investigators have found nothing new.

DeHerrera's beating occurred in April 2009 and was captured on a video camera.

Rogers said Whitman appears to be bowing to pressure to resolve the case from the media, the public or the Office of Independent Monitor, who monitors internal affairs investigations.

"What Gerry Whitman did is unacceptable based on all the facts," Rogers said.

After a hearing Monday, Whitman recommended Sparks' termination and a three-day suspension for Murr, Rogers said.

Police spokesman Matt Murray didn't return calls for comment Monday night.

The chief's recommendation goes to the manager of safety's office, and the manager then has 15 days to make a final determination. Charley Garcia, former head of the Denver public defender's office, was named the city's newest safety manager last week.

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