DENVER (AP) - A commander with more than 20 years of experience on the Denver Police Department is its next chief.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced Thursday that Paul Pazen will lead the department.
Hancock says Pazen was “a clear top choice” of city officials and residents involved in the search.
Pazen was one of five finalists interviewed. All of the finalists are members of the department’s command staff.
Chief Robert White in April announced plans to retire after more than six years leading the department. White previously worked in Louisville, Kentucky and Washington D.C.
Pazen joined the department in 1995 after five years in the U.S. Marines Corps.
Pazen said he wants to build on the department’s changes under White and add “precision policing” and wraparound services to minimize crime and violence.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.