Three Denver police officers were let go after they used a group chat to post “disparaging” remarks about immigrants.
The Denver Police Department claims that officers Rodrigo Basurto, Meagan Joy, and Scot Persichette—three officers who had attended the same training academy—shared “disturbing messages” in a group chat that was initially discovered by department officials.
The DPD did not disclose the officers’ discharge in their monthly disciplinary letters. Rather, the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training database was updated with the terminations.
The database has relatively little information regarding the trio’s terminations. The cops were dismissed “for cause,” according to the entry, although they maintain their POST certification.
On Wednesday night, FOX31 tried to reach the three former officers for a comment but was unable to do so. Additionally, FOX31 sent an email to the department’s members’ union, the Denver Police Protective Association.
After 29 weeks of training at the academy, Basurto was one of several new officers inducted into the department in December when FOX31 spoke with him.
The police department released a chronology of the incidents, beginning on April 4 when the department leaders were made aware of the group conversation.
Following what the agency called a “thorough investigation,” the department discovered that three officers had “posted disparaging messages in the group chat” on March 27.
The tweets made light of the idea of practicing target shooting at immigrant shelters. The officers, who were still in the probationary phase of their job after graduating from the Denver Police Academy, were fired from the Denver Police Department as of July 22, 2024, DPD noted in a letter to FOX31, citing the offensive nature of the texts.
The organization expressed its dismay over the posters, saying they “disrespect not only newcomers and our community but also every other officer working to keep everyone in our community safe.” The messages are in opposition to the Department’s purpose and principles.
The organization stated that in addition to active bystander training for law enforcement, it is offering other police extra training in equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
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