Pubdate: Wed, 29 Dec 1999 Source: Denver Post (CO) Copyright: 1999 The Denver Post Contact: 1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202 Fax: (303) 820.1502 Website: http://www.denverpost.com/ Forum: http://www.denverpost.com/voice/voice.htm Author: Chuck Green - Denver Post Columnist WEBB ACTS FOR ALL IN CASE Mayor Wellington Webb has reacted swiftly and appropriately to a report that exonerated several Denver police officers from accusations of excessive force after their conduct was recorded by an airborne TV crew four months ago. It's good to hear the mayor is still on the job. After months of watching Webb on satellite TV from Washington, Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, Japan, England, France, Germany and the African continent, it was reassuring to hear that he still drops by City Hall. For a while, I thought he was moonlighting as the secretary of state's valet. And then I realized that he was actually moonlighting as our mayor. But I digress. Webb's press aide, Andrew Hudson, has reported that the mayor was "troubled" by the Arapahoe County district attorney's conclusion that Denver cops hadn't unnecessarily brutalized two drug suspects sought by federal agents and trapped by DPD Blue after a car chase. Channel 7's videotape of the action, captured by its newsroom helicopter, appeared to show that after the suspects had been subdued, cops kicked one and smashed another in the head with the butt of his gun The Arapahoe County DA's office saw nothing wrong with that. Fortunately, the mayor wasn't satisfled. "Notwithstanding the findings of the Arapahoe County district attorney, I. question whether this is appropriate arrest procedure," Webb said in a memo te Safety Manager Butch Montoya, requesting an inquiry into violations of police policies. Webb also wants an explanation for why police rushed the suspects' car while believing the fugitives might be armed -- in violation of police techniques that recommend cops keep their distance until fugitives emerge from a car in plain view. The mayor's memo asked whether that conduct might be "a consequence of the officers losing their composure in a high-stress situation." Webb's approach is commendable not only because it expresses a concern for police brutality, but also a concern for police safety. By recklessly running to the suspects' car, the policemen were stupidly risking thek own lives by violating commonsense procedures taught in most policetraining academies. Webb is asking all the right questions. Now the public deserves a thorough report of all the answers. It's good to have you drop by occasionally, mayor. - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck