March 27, 2015 VOLU M E 1 3 | I S SUE 21
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Parker police wearing cameras Pilot program will help determine which devices are best By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@colorado communitymedia.com The Parker Police Department is the latest law enforcement agency to test out body-worn cameras on patrol officers. The department planned to launch a two-month pilot program March 26 with cameras mounted on five officers on a patrol shift in an effort to “remain transparent and continue to maintain the public’s trust,” said Parker Police Chief David King. While the body cameras have been in the news in recent months due to clashes involving police officers from across the country, the “conversation has been going on for a few years” at the Parker Police Department, said Lt. Chris Peters. Five Panasonic cameras were purchased in April 2014 with the intention of rolling out the pilot program last summer, but software issues caused a year of delays. Now the department is ready to test equipment capabilities, review policies and procedures, test data storage and retrieval, and determine redaction and case law when it comes to public access. “When we find out which product will work best, we’re planning on outfitting every patrol personnel, including the sergeant,” Peters said. That’s at least 37 cameras that could, in part, help restore public confidence in law enforcement and eliminate most questions about how events transpire when officers interact with the public. “These will really help illustrate the moment,” Peters said. “The video will show what led up to each decision.” There is little argument that the cameras will be a game-changer in law enforcement. With a camera recording every move and Police continues on Page 13
Sgt. Steve Tarr of the Parker Police Department wears a body camera. The agency is starting a two-month pilot program March 26. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
Challenger Park Estates residents Steve Jewell, Denise Volz and Erik Heimerdinger stand outside a house on Grouseberry Way that is being turned into an assisted-living center. Neighbors are upset about possible impacts. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
Assisted-living center riles neighbors
Town and HOA attorney says group is protected by state statute By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@colorado communitymedia.com The conversion of a single-family home to an assisted-living facility for seniors has caused an uproar in a Parker neighborhood.
Renovations on the home on Grouseberry Way in Challenger Park Estates began in January. A month later, the door to the three-car garage was removed and walled off, to the surprise of neighbors. The workers told them the house was being turned into an assisted-living center. Challenger Park’s homeowners’ association hired an attorney, who told an agitated crowd of residents during a March 12 meeting that there were no legal avenues to stop the group from moving in. The attorney, David Firmin,
issued a letter to the homeowners four days after the meeting, saying there would be “no likelihood of success” if the HOA filed an injunction because “the courts have almost universally ruled against associations which objected to group home uses.” “We predict that any lawsuit against the group home would likely lead to a countersuit by the group home’s owners for injunctive relief to allow the home, Center continues on Page 12
New chief fans flames of success South Metro Fire’s Bob Baker talks about importance of role By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz @coloradocommunitymedia.com At a towering 6 feet 6 inches, the first thing people notice about Bob Baker is his height. The second characteristic they usually pick up on is his dedication and enthusiasm for fire service. Baker worked in eight positions during 30 years with the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority before taking over as the department’s chief last October. With predecessor Dan Qualman at the helm for 28 years, Baker knows he has big shoes to fill and high expectations to meet. Fortunately for him, Baker had the chance to study under Qualman and adopt many of his leadership qualities, chief among them patience and humility. Although he didn’t have much say in choosing his replacement, Qualman says he wasn’t surprised that Baker succeeded him at the highest rung in the South Metro Fire ladder.
HOW BIG IS THE SOUTH METRO FIRE DISTRICT? The South Metro Fire Rescue Authority provides fire suppression, emergency medical service, building protection, life-safety training and other specialized rescue operations and services to an area that includes 194,000 residents and covers 176 square miles. The communities covered are Parker, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, most of Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Foxfield, Greenwood Village, and unincorporated portions of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, including Louviers. “He’s analytical and intuitive, which I think is a real positive strength,” said the former chief, now a fire-protection consultant who considers himself semi-retired.
New horizons Baker’s experience in multiple capacities in the fire service has its advantages, but he has had to negotiate a learning curve since becoming chief. “The political side of the fire chief position is a lot more significant than the job I had before in operations,” he said, before listing the numerous Success continues on Page 13
Bob Baker stands over a brick commemorating his late father’s devotion and sacrifice while serving as a firefighter. Photo by Chris Michlewicz