Workplace review found isolated workplace policy violations

Westminster, CO – Earlier today, Tim Carlson retired as Chief of the Westminster Police Department after 35 years of service. Acting Chief Norm Haubert will continue to serve as interim chief of police while the City begins a search for a replacement.  

Carlson agreed to take administrative leave on July 12 ahead of the City’s review of the department’s workplace climate and culture. The independent and thorough report conducted by U.S. ISS Agency, a security consulting firm comprised of former local, state, and federal law enforcement officers and executives, was provided to the city last week. The comprehensive report includes hundreds of hours of interviews with over 50 current and former members of the police department and a review of emails, notes, and records to corroborate witness accounts.   

The independent third-party report identified opportunities for the department to strengthen its culture in alignment with the City’s values and workplace policies. According to the report, former Chief Carlson did not effectively manage the department’s culture. The report also detailed instances where a senior officer "routinely demeaned and was disrespectful to employees in the use of profanity, rude, and offensive language, disparaging comments, and personal insults." 

“While the department has made significant strides in the past few years, the report has highlighted the need and opportunity for the department to make meaningful change to better support our sworn officers and civilian staff,” said City Manager Donald M. Tripp. “A respectful and inclusive workplace is central to the City’s values. What’s come through clearly in this report is that our officers and civilian staff need to have an important role in the selection of the city’s next police chief. Our staff has the best sense of the leadership they need to serve our community. We will ensure they have a strong voice in who will be their new chief.”  

In the coming months, the city will continue engaging with the department staff to continue the work of strengthening the department’s culture. The department’s staff will have a voice in the process and inform next steps.  

“We are not going to shy away from the findings of this report. Where there were issues, we are going to address them head on. Where there are opportunities to grow, we are going to embrace it,” said Interim Chief Norm Haubert. “I’m committed to making sure our department grows from this, and we can move forward as a united workforce.”