DUI Internal Investigation Conclusion

Chief Swoboda here -

On several occasions over the last year, I've shared information about an internal investigation into the performance of our former DUI enforcement officer. I promised to update you when the investigation concluded, and that time is now.

This situation began as an internally-initiated review of the officer's DUI cases that came back with ND results (no drugs/alcohol detected). While those periodically occur, we discovered that our DUI enforcement officer had nine ND cases in less than a year, which prompted further internal scrutiny. Due to the number of cases, Internal Affairs took over the investigation to thoroughly review each one, including reading lengthy reports, interviewing witnesses and SMEs, and watching hours of body camera footage. In May, the officer rotated out of the DUI Officer assignment and began working in the Patrol Division. In early September, he was reassigned from Patrol to an administrative role with no involvement in casework. In early October, he was placed on administrative leave pending the results of the Internal Affairs investigation.

The results of the investigation ultimately revealed a pattern of performance that did not meet the training and standards we require for our officers. As a result, I lost faith in his ability to serve as a Fort Collins Police officer. I had a meeting scheduled with him to discuss my final disciplinary decision, but he resigned prior to that meeting. As of today, he is no longer employed with our agency.

In law enforcement, we cannot afford to make assumptions or jump to quick conclusions, and that applies to external and internal investigations alike. This investigation was thorough and definitive. I'm extremely disappointed that this officer's actions impaired our effectiveness as an agency, violated the public’s trust, and damaged community confidence in FCPS.

As I've said before, transparency isn't just about sharing the great things happening here. It also means being candid, showing up for difficult conversations, and owning our failures. We're using everything we learned in this situation to become a better organization tomorrow than we are today, and we appreciate the ongoing dialogue and collaboration with our community as we grow together.

[tracyhaynes]

Letting an officer resign and go work at another department is hardly accountability. This man should endure the same consequences as any other citizen in the same situation

[josephrusso]

Remember when the original video came out and you only had a smart ass response to everyone who was pissed off about it

[lani]

Why isn’t Officer Hafferman in jail for filing a false police report not once, but dozens of times? Why aren’t his supervisors, dismissed for failing to do their jobs AT ALL, and allowing so many lives to be ruined? I am sure Chief Swobodas only response is a shrug and “them’s the breaks”.

[denver]

The chief is responsible for letting this go on. Nothing less than a resignation from the chief is required. Allowing this to go will ultimately result in millions of taxpayer funds being paid out for lawsuits. The chief is a disgrace.

[garrisongoodman]

This clown needs to be fired and never hold a law enforcement job again for letting Haverman just resign.

[TheNavyGonzo]

You are so full of it... I remember all of the other interviews where you were in denial and dismissive... Anything less than charging this officer with malicious prosecution and falsifying police records is a disgrace

[OttoByOgraffey]

I don't have confidence in YOU! For you to say that a man, that had zero alcohol, or drugs in his system, could have had alcohol on his body, is the most corrupt thing that could have come out of your mouth. The corruption starts at the top.

[jefferyyounce]

Now the scumbag can go to another jurisdiction and begin ruining innocent citizens lives there.

[thekpmckay]

No, your department let the community down...again. Charges should have been filed for Haferman's fraudulent actions. And your initial response denying the validity of the blood tests proves your bias.Time for a career change Jeff, you no longer have the confidence of the community you are paid to serve.

[jefferyyounce]

I'm sure the Chief takes credit when things are going good, but obviously when things are bad, it's someone else's fault.

[chromer]

This is the most insincere BS I’ve ever heard

[OttoByOgraffey]

That officer got a pat on the back, and a, "good luck at your next cop job." This is a disgusting department.

[mikeelek]

Yeah, you're still getting sued.

[steve-on]

Officer should have been arrested when he resigned.

[chadwechsler]

He resigned so he can go to the next town and do the same thing

[hazardcountyusa]

Great but where did he go next. When he resigned, he knew he can go anywhere he wants

[Jim-tvtk]

Was the officer charged with a crime? Was the victims compensated and record cleared?

[phillipchallis]

Wow... he makes the Aurora Police chiefs look like the best and brightest in comparison.

[steve-on]

This is such a bull shit explanation and response by chief. Wow.

[danielmakinde-vk]

yea you told him to resign, you could have rejected his resignation and fired his sleazy deceptive ass. but all of you are cut from the same cloth, if there was no investigation by TV channels, this would have been swept under the rug