AURORA | An Aurora cop who was demoted from lieutenant down to officer is asking the city’s Civil Service Commission to reverse his punishment.
Officer Paul Swanson was demoted in 2011 amid allegations that he wasn’t showing up for his assignment with the Metro Gang Task Force, but still filing for overtime pay. Swanson has been with the Aurora Police Department for 25 years.
Matt Cain, Civil Service Commission administrator, said the commission has a few options, including reversing the decision to demote him. They could also make the demotion less severe and rule Swanson should have been demoted to a rank above officer, such as detective or sergeant.
The hearing is open to the public and scheduled to last all week, Cain said.
The commission has overturned a decision by the police chief in similar circumstances a handful of times in recent years, drawing the ire of some at city hall. In one case, involving an officer fired for several violations, including shooting at a moving vehicle, the city has appealed the commission’s ruling to Arapahoe County District Court.