Erie Police fires four officers, another resigns after complaint

5 December 2023, 02:08 published

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The Erie Police Department said an internal misconduct complaint was made on Oct. 10.

ERIE, Colo. — A police department that straddles Boulder and Weld counties terminated three sergeants and one officer, and had another officer resign, late last month after an internal investigation into a complaint of misconduct.

The Erie Police Department (EPD) said three sergeants and one officer were fired Nov. 20 and Nov. 21, respectively, after an internal misconduct complaint was filed regarding an incident that occurred on duty on Oct. 10.

Another sergeant was demoted to the rank of officer on Nov. 21 and then resigned on Nov. 23, a police spokesperson said.

None of the officers have been identified, and no details regarding the Oct. 10 incident have been disclosed. A police spokesperson said an investigation determined that no criminal conduct occurred.

Erie Police Chief Lee Mathis released a letter Monday afternoon addressing the officers’ misconduct, saying it didn’t reflect the department’s standards.

“Our police department would never condone, tolerate, or dismiss the behavior of these officers,” he said in the letter, though he did not divulge details, saying it was a personnel matter.

“It is imperative to stress that if a staff member’s actions do not align with our department’s standards, this is not the place for them,” Mathis said in the letter. “We are resolute in our commitment to our values and will always ensure the individuals who police our community reflect those values.”

When 9NEWS asked how losing 11% of its sworn officers would affect department workflows, a spokesperson replied “our commitment, and high level of service to the community has not been impacted.”

Mathis said in his letter that the department has “adequate staffing to ensure a timely response to all calls for service” and will fill its vacant positions as quickly as possible.

9NEWS requested an on-camera interview with Mathis but was told the department would not be doing on-camera interviews.