DENVER - Mayor Michael B. Hancock today welcomed the 69th Chief of Police Robert White to Denver, marshaling in a new era of safety to the city.
"Building trust and strengthening communications and relationships between our safety department and Denver communities is of the utmost importance to this Administration," Mayor Hancock said. "With the addition of Chief White and Manager Alex Martinez to our team, we will boldly pursue the highest level of safety for every resident and neighborhood in Denver."
"I also want to thank Chief Gerry Whitman for his leadership of the department and dedication to the citizens of Denver. Through nearly 12 years of service, he has set a solid foundation of innovative solutions and best practices for future leaders to stand on," Mayor Hancock said.
Chief White will hit the ground running with an ambitious schedule to introduce him to the six precincts and more than 1,400 officers within the Department and the more than 70 neighborhoods that comprise Denver.
"I am honored to be joining the incredible team at the police department and look forward to getting to work," Chief White said. "Starting today, we begin our journey to build a world class department with stronger collaboration between the community and our officers."
Since day one, Mayor Hancock has driven an aggressive vision of restoring public trust in the department and providing an even better police force to the people of Denver. White will help the Administration move forward with the goal of delivering a world class City where everyone matters.
"I am proud that Chief White has chosen to serve our City and I am excited for the next chapter of our safety department," Mayor Hancock said. "We welcome him to our City, and together, we will usher in a new era of safety for all of Denver."
White, who was previously the chief of police in Louisville, Kentucky, has to hit the ground running. From punctuated clashes with Occupy Denver protestors to a widespread perception of police brutality, White's going to have to improve the Denver Police Department's image, starting now.
The whole city is watching.
