Police Force Shaken: Officers Fired Over Shocking Texts

We’re kicking off today with a story that’s bound to stir the pot—three officers from the Denver Police Department couldn’t even make it past probation before turning their careers into a cautionary tale. Cue the eye-roll because these newbies—Rodrigo Basurto, Meagan Joy, and Scot Persichette—decided to send each other text messages, joking about using migrant shelters as target practice. Yes, you read that right. Turns out, this kind of behavior didn’t sit too well with the department’s mission and values, and rightly so.

Details of the Incident

In a series of texts exchanged on March 27, 2024, which were discovered on April 4, 2024, Basurto, Joy, and Persichette made “disparaging” and “joking” comments about shooting newly arrived migrants. Their termination came not long after this revelation, on July 22, 2024, highlighting just how seriously the department took this lapse in judgment.

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

The Denver Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that the three officers were indeed let go. There’s no sugar-coating the fact that they not only tarnished their own careers but also cast a shadow on the entire department. Statements from the department emphasized that these text messages were grossly out of line with their mission and values. Former officers still in their probationary phase, no less, they should have known that they were under the microscope.

Administrative Actions and Policy Responses

These firings led to action beyond just termination. The incidents were reported to the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) unit, cementing the notion that there is no tolerance for such behavior. Meanwhile, other officers in the group chat haven’t escaped unscathed; they will undergo additional training in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, as well as Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE), aiming to prevent such unprofessional conduct in the future.

Broader Context and City Response

The timing of this incident is particularly jarring given the city’s recent efforts. Just a couple of months before these texts were unearthed, Denver released a guide to help other cities accommodate migrants. This so-called “playbook” illustrates the city’s commitment to integrating newcomers and counters the derogatory attitude displayed by these officers.

Silence from City Hall

Despite repeated attempts for comment, Mayor Mike Johnston’s office has been notably silent on this issue, leaving us to wonder about the official stance from city leadership. Given the recent budget cuts and resource strains, one might think that this topic would demand a more public response.

Final Thought

As much as we’d love to end on a high note, it’s worth acknowledging that these officers’ actions and subsequent firing highlight systemic issues within law enforcement that still need addressing. For our conservative readers who believe in upholding the law and embodying moral integrity, this story serves as a sobering reminder that even those who “protect and serve” are not above reproach.

In summary, while it’s disheartening to see those sworn to uphold the law fall so short of their duties, it’s a step forward that their misconduct was dealt with swiftly and decisively. Let’s hope such stringent measures can prevent future lapses in judgment and ensure that those responsible for our safety take that responsibility seriously.

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More from Around the Web:

3 Denver Officers Fired After Joking About Going to Newcomer Shelter for ‘Target Practice’

3 Denver police officers fired for text messages:

3 Denver police officers fired for text messages about sheltered migrants https://t.co/cEKkisI58W pic.twitter.com/p5YUrSwQjf

— FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) August 8, 2024