Three finalists named to fill the city’s vacant law enforcement watchdog position

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Esteban L. Hernandez

Feb. 02, 2022, 3:00 p.m.

The group overseeing the Office of the Independent Monitor in Denver released the names of three finalists vying to become the city’s top law enforcement watchdog.

Robert Booth II, a state assistant deputy attorney general, Boulder’s independent police monitor Joseph Lipari, and Dana Walton-Macaulay, deputy director of independent police review in Portland, are the finalists, according to a release from the Citizen Oversight Board.

The position has been vacant for more than a year after Nick Mitchell left for a job in Los Angeles in January 2021, after serving since 2012.

The board said before it makes its pick, it will host two virtual meetings with community organizations to meet the finalists.

The first meeting hosted by the board is scheduled to take place on Feb. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., co-hosted by advocacy and faith-based groups. A second meeting is scheduled for Feb. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. co-hosted with members of the service provider community. The board plans on releasing videos next week featuring each candidate answering questions.

“Community members will get the chance to learn more about the candidates, ask them questions, and provide feedback to the Board,” the release said. “The board is soliciting community member questions in advance of these gatherings.”

The board is encouraging people to email COB@denvergov.org if they have questions they would like the board to ask the candidates.

A bill passed by voters last year allows the nine-person Citizen Oversight Board to appoint the independent monitor by recommending the person to Denver City Council, which has final approval. The position used to be appointed by the mayor.

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