Denver’s Chief of Police Admits Affair With Policewoman, Quits
DENVER — Denver’s police chief has resigned after admitting that he had a personal relationship with a policewoman under his command, the mayor said.
Mayor Federico Pena announced that he accepted Tom Coogan’s resignation because the relationship compromised the morale and integrity of the police department.
Pena said Coogan, police chief since 1983, had said he formed the relationship after his divorce. Coogan acknowledged that the relationship reflected “poor judgment,†Pena said.
Some city officials did not think the 51-year-old Coogan had to resign.
“I’m not sure what having an affair had to do with his performance as chief of police,†Councilwoman Cathy Reynolds said. “I think we’ve lost a very valuable public servant.â€
Coogan could not be reached by telephone for comment.
Coogan is the second chief in a row to leave the department amid controversy. Four years ago, longtime Chief Art Dill retired under pressure after being linked to irregularities in Police Department bingo games that benefited the Denver Police Band.
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