AURORA | The search for Aurora’s new top cop might not be complete until late this year as city officials prepare to launch an exhaustive national search for Dan Oates’ replacement.
Last time the city launched one of these — the search that landed Oates in 2005 — it took almost eight months and the outside recruiter hired to find a chief cost more than $24,000, city spokeswoman Kim Stuart said.
Mayor Steve Hogan said a national search is crucial for Aurora as the city continues to grow from sleepy suburb to major
urban center.
“Aurora is no longer in the category of Arvada, Lakewood or Centennial, we are in the category of Denver, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Omaha, Honolulu,” Hogan said. “If any of those other cities lost their police chief they would be looking for the best person they could find in the
country.”
Oates was formally appointed as police chief for the city of Miami Beach, Fla. April 30.
With the announcement last week that Oates was the sole finalist for the job in Miami Beach, city officials turned their attention to the long-time chief’s
replacement.
While the city has not yet hired a recruiter to conduct the search, Hogan said the city manager’s office — which, under city charter, is tasked with hiring department leaders like police chiefs — should look outside of Aurora.
Still, Hogan said, there could be an ideal candidate within the department, but he wants to make sure the city looks outside of Aurora before making that
determination.
“That’s what Aurora needs to do. I’m not saying we don’t have great people in the department, I know we do,” he said.
For the rank-and-file officers, officials say a change at the top of the police department is welcome.
“I say change is good,” said Councilwoman Renie Peterson. “He’s had almost 10 years here. I think morale is not good with the rank-and-file and I think a new person is a good thing.”
The head of the officers’ union, Officer Mark Finnin, president of the Aurora Police Association, said he agreed with Peterson.
“Overall, morale in our department is pretty bad,” he said.
Finnin said officers have been frustrated in recent years by wages and benefits that haven’t kept up with other departments.
The union has also at times seen the some policies from the chief’s office as heavy handed. Among those, Finnin said, have been attempts by the chief to shift power away from the Civil Service Commission to city management — moves the union has consistently opposed.
Amid the union’s opposition, city leaders early this year scrapped a plan that would have made it much more difficult for disciplined officers to appeal the chief’s ruling civil service.
“That’s an example where changing the rules in order to benefit management,” he said.
Another ongoing disagreement between the officers and the chief swirls around Oates’ policy directive banning officers from firing their weapons at moving vehicles. The chief has said the rule is important because shooting a driver often won’t stop a car and instead lead to it careening out of control.
Finnin said the officers feel like the rule strips them of a basic mode of self-defense, one that is allowed under Colorado, but not under the rules for Aurora police officers.
“A civilian has more authority in that regard,” he said.
The union has also been frustrated with Oates’ high-profile both city and state politics,
Finnin said.
Finnin said the APA doesn’t have a specific preference as to who should replace Oates. But, the union would like a chief who has a better understanding of the department’s culture and problems, which would likely mean someone from within.
“Our biggest thing is we would like to see more of a chief of police as opposed to a politician for a change,” he said.
Sure some people had problems with Chief Oates. There are always some sour grapes when it comes to the boss. I think the union rep is exaggerating as he must do because he didn’t always get his way. Chief Oates is a great police chief, works harder than any member of the force, is a straight shooter with his employees, is constantly meeting with neighborhood groups and the public. I don’t think we could have gotten a better police chief and his shoes will be very big shoes to fill. Best of luck to Chief Oates and we, the good people of Aurora, will miss you!
OMG…I AM GONNA THROW UP. ARE YOU KIDDING ME I KNOW HIM AND HE IS A NARCISSTIC CONTROLLING BASTARD AND MIAMI BEACH IS CLAIMING TO FILE A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE of Dani boy.
Change can be good or bad. Law Enforcement across the nation has made drastic changes over the last quarter of a century. The old ways of doing patrol work are long gone. At least in Aurora and many other Colorado communities, there is accountability now, and there should be. Technical advancement has made police work more efficient and helps with investigations. Officer safety has improved and believe it or not, so has the safety of the citizens (from the old ways of doing police work). Not everyone will agree, but at least in Aurora there does seem to be a sense of trust between the police department and most of its citizens. APD is nationally recognized as a leader in many areas of police work. Does the department have problems?? YES, there are still those that think because they have a badge they are untouchable. But for the most part, that’s not the case anymore. Chief Oates wanted to hold his officers accountable for the same things that they hold the citizens accountable.
Chief Oates never stepped back from a fight, but keep in mind that his job is a Political position. He may not be “elected” by the citizens, but it is a very powerful political position all the same. You don’t have to like who he is, but you can’t deny that he has never side-stepped an issue….good or bad. Politicians are politicians. They want their face in front of the camera. They want to appear in control and confident. I don’t care what anyone thinks about the current President, but if the POTUS gave me a compliment about how my guys did in a situation and lauded me for overseeing it, even from a distance, then hurray for me. Chief Oates lasted a lot longer than any of the other Chiefs at APD in the last 3 decades. His family has waited a long time to get back to the East Coast. This is a nice compromise and opportunity for their sacrifice too.
Change at the top has a trickle-down effect. Promotions will be made, staff positions will change (not only is the Chief retiring, so is Division Chief Roger Cloyd) and changes will be made in the way things are done at APD. I am very hopeful that the Aurora City Manager and City Council actively search for an OUTSIDE candidate. I don’t mean one of the ex-Aurora officers who weren’t true to their department. We don’t need the “First” black Chief or the “First”
female Chief. We need the “Best” Chief who is going to bring a positive attitude and a fresh perspective to the Department and the City. We don’t need old
employees bringing old APD baggage back to the department. We don’t need ladder climbers who stepped on their fellow officers or used their race or gender to promote. The Citizens of Aurora need someone that will come in and treat this job with the respect it deserves.
Good luck to Chief Oates in his new job. Better luck to the next Chief of Police of
Aurora, whoever that might be.
I couldn’t disagree with Mayor Hogan more than I do. It is not “crucial” to launch a national search.
I believe another trick is about to unfold on this department and the citizens. Today, Division Chief Cloyd, retired. Who showed up all the way from Arizona for the big send off? Roy Minter. Friend of Oates and a person this paper has already named as a potential replacement for Oates. Is Oates doing an ole buddy a favor by making the introductions to the city manager and council?
Just a little background for everyone on Ol’ Roy. Chief of Police for Denton, TX. Population approx. 100,000 with approx. 150 sworn officers. Currently the Chief of Police for Peoria, AZ. Population approx. 160,000 with 300 sworn officers. Small agencies and small towns in comparison to Aurora.
So citizens, if we end up with Chief Roy Minter as our next police chief after Mayor Hogan launches his national search, I’m going to say we were hoodwinked one more time.
Mark Finnen said: “Our biggest thing is we would like to see more of a chief of police as opposed to a politician for a change,” he said.
Many citizens out here agree with the Aurora Police Association.
A Ronald Reagan quote: It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.
Many learned the very same from former Chief Dan Oates.
Wow! Did I miss MARK FINNI -PPA
response from Ashley? Yes, the chief was a narcissistic controlling bastard but why can’t the PPA feel they can’t jump in with Oates to put him in his place….why? Scared and for their job.
Hell, I handled this more and I am not a PPA. Scared and that is what officer falco isn’t….
While many may question all of the Chief’s decisions, the fact is he can’t make everyone happy. As a figurehead and a spokesman for the organization few can question what an asset he was for the Department and the City.
Mr Finnin makes some valid points however he does not speak for all officers. I would ask him why his organization hasn’t done a better job in building relationships with City officials? Could that be because his organization spends its money backing losing candidates every election? Is that why when it comes to pay negotiations officers pay for the misguided and politically unsavy leadership of the APA ?
The PPA ….and staff are losers and why do they even exist is beyond me?Mark is a spineless ass, as the rest of asses. PPA YOU ARE FAKE AND CARE FOR NO ONE EXCEPT YOU & YOUR NEEDLESS JOB.
PATHETIC PEOPLE ASSOCIATION -PPA, that’s what you all are.
Thanks for nothing!!!!
Obviously a reason to dump your citizens for other pastures…wow… Not sure how many of you are following this still, but here you go for your reading pleasure…not exactly sure how to react to this…I’m still trying to grasp the reality of it all… https://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/05/4099314/new-miami-beach-police-chief-gets.html
Have you been following the commentary by their citizens at the bottom of that article? It doesn’t look like the citizens are very happy with their new chiefs pay and perks. One person said:
Wrong guy for the job. Miami Beach will never learn. Way overpaid. Absurd benefits. The NY policing experience is meaningless. As for time in Colorado, nonsense.
Another said: Why not just pick up his Publix bill as well?
I’ve been wondering since this story broke out, if there is any familial connection between Joe Morales (Miami Beach city manager) and Peter Morales (Aurora city attorney)? If so, maybe Peter can stow away in Oates trunk and get out while the getting is good.
Don’t know if this is double-posting, as I’m not sure if my first response went through….
I was saying… Whoa! I had no idea about the possible connection…I suppose it’s a HUGE “coincidence”…but a VERY, VERY interesting coincidence at that! Thanks for the heads-up…I’ll be sure to let some of my sources back here know about what you’ve connected.
My objective at this point is to get out of MB and free myself from the junk here before this town becomes a typical “California town” that’s busted-up by the feds. I ain’t going down with this ship!
I hope you all are able to find a logical and suitable replacement to your Chief, whom I presume was a preferred leader (correct me if I’m wrong).
If I get anything else from here, I’ll surely post! Interesting connection you’ve raised…very, very interesting! Thanks!!
The cops and the people of Miami Beach better brace themselves. This is who they are getting for their money.
Haha!! Wow…another “treat” to Moronic Beach! How much luckier can we get?! Let me out!! LET ME OUT!!! 😛
jUST LIKE EVERYONE THAT DAN HAS BSED. yOU ALL THINK HE IS GREAT BUT YOU WILL FIND OUT IN THE HEARING THAT OFFICER FALCO HAS COMING UP ON JULY 21 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS JUST HOW DIABOLICAL DAN AND THE CITY CAN BE. THE CITY IS GOING TO BE VERY EMBARRASSED.
Ahh….don’t let his office hit him too hard in the buttocks.
KEN MURPHY FOR CHIEF. …SINCE OATES MESSED WITH HIS LIFE AND CAREER. HE IS THE BEST MAN FOR APD !!!!
I wonder by now, if Miami Beach Pd., realize that they just shook hands with the devil by hiring him.
Miami Beach will get a wind of this hearing stating a direct order from counsil is …..ABSURD! Wow, I told all of you that Oates thinks he thinks above even GOD.
APD, nor a Chief cannot give permission to die !
Protecting criminal thugs then their fellow officer’s by a police chief weak and a coward.
I pray that in July, that the officer’s name is cleared and he his respected by his bureau because he has the means to fight back and he is not going away, as you can see. Oates put up a fight and 3 out of 4 is pretty dam good because he will win the 4th, even under oath upper command all lie. Yep!
A message for Mark Finni the PPA, I did more work then you did for your fellow officer. I regret nothing and you should be ashamed of yourself for acting like you cared then have the nerve to say, my emails put you behind….brother, you were born behind. Don’t be fake… be real, it pays off I know it worked for us.
A chief with an honest pair, a real cop and a team leader for the Aurora Officers. I will speak for all of them!