Hispanic officers welcome move, but plan to keep the pressure on

Bianca Prieto, Rocky Mountain News

Published February 8, 2007 at midnight

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The promotion of a Hispanic commander to the top tier of the Denver Police Department is a small triumph, but the agency still has a ways to go to reflect the diverse community, Hispanic leaders said Wednesday.

Cmdr. David Quinones, a 21-year veteran of the department, will take over as the division chief of special operations on Feb. 12.

He was serving as the District 1 commander in northeast Denver before the promotion.

Police Chief Gerry Whitman sent out a bulletin to the department about the promotion Tuesday.

Leaders of the Denver chapter of the National Latino Peace Officers' Association said Wednesday that Quinones has impressive credentials and a proven track record.

In his new position, Quinones will oversee traffic and airport operations - both expected to be critical areas as the city hosts the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

"Every job that he's had he's been able to rise to the occasion," said association vice president Sgt. Leonard Mares.

Paul Sandoval, a retired state senator and restaurant owner in north Denver, praised Quinones.

"He had very good community relations with people out here. His door was always open. He literally came to people. He called up, made appointments and came to see people," Sandoval said.

"He's a good man."

Quinones did not return a call seeking comment.

The promotion follows contentious relations between the police administration and the Latino organization.

Last year, 27 Hispanic police officers filed grievances with the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Denver alleging discrimination in recruitment, hiring, promotions and discipline.

Latino association president Rufino Trujillo said Wednesday that the group is "happy with the fact that he (Whitman) has promoted a Latino."

"We hope that he will consider more promotions," he added.

Despite the promotion, the number of Hispanics in positions the chief appoints will remain unchanged unless Whitman appoints a Hispanic officer to fill Quinones' commander vacancy. There are currently 3 Hispanics in positions of commander and higher.

The highest-ranking Hispanic is Deputy Chief of Administration Marco Vasquez.

"We're happy about it," Mares said of the promotion, "but it's not adequate."

The organization argues that the city touts diversity, but the department, particularly in leadership ranks, fails to reflect the breakdown of Hispanics in the community.

"We need more Latinos up there," Trujillo said.

"The community reflects that we need more."

The organization, which has about 90 members locally and 30,000 nationally, is working toward filing a discrimination lawsuit.

"The police department is making small changes, but it's because of the pressure from this organization," said Ray Sandoval, association board member and a retired Denver police officer.

prietob@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5219

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