December 12, 2014
DENVER, CO – Jim Davis, former head of the FBI's Denver office, who was recruited by Mayor Michael Hancock to lead the reform effort for the Denver Sheriff Department has come out in support of the “extreme interrogation techniques” used by the CIA, even though a new Senate Intelligence Committee report has found that “torture doesn't work and shouldn't be employed by our country."

Davis was hired after the city agreed to pay $3.25 million to former inmate Jamal Hunter who was tortured by inmates as his genitals were burned over several hours apparently facilitated and encouraged by a DSD deputy who ignored his screams.  Hunter was also later choked by a deputy, pinned down by several other officers and then shocked twice with a Taser stun gun as a result of seeking medical attention for his torture injuries.
Davis was issued $80,000 for a five-month contract  that runs through Dec. 31 funded by taxpayer dollars. The CLF and the ACLU of Colorado find it disturbingly contradictory that a person who supports the torture of human beings is leading the charge to curtail inmate abuse.
“While positive steps have recently been taken, comments by Mayoral representatives that condone torture sets the City back in its efforts to promote community healing and transform a culture of violence that is still pervasive in Denver’s public safety departments,” said Rudy Gonzales, Co-chair of the Colorado Latino Forum, Denver Chapter.
On December 3rd CLF Denver Chapter Issued a Declaration of Human Rights for Denver Public Safety Department Reform urging the Mayor and City leaders to admit systemic failures and rebuild community trust. CLF also encouraged public officials to join the national dialogue to explore ways to build trust and confidence between police and minority communities nationwide and recommend ways the government can support accountability, transparency and trust in law enforcement.
“Representatives of the City of Denver need to send a consistent message about the fair, dignified and humane treatment of all detained persons,” said ACLU Public Policy Director Denise Maes
On January 10th CLF will convene the 6th Annual Colorado Latino Forum Public Policy Summit at the Tivoli hosted by Metropolitan State University of Denver. As a follow-up to the CLF Denver Chapter’s 21-page public safety report members will also address criminal justice and prosecutorial reform.
To register please visit www.coloradolatinoforum.org. To receive information, submit names of subject matter experts, become a sponsor or set up an information table, please email [email protected] with your request.