Racial Bias Case Gets New Counsel After Community Criticism

BOULDER, CO -- The City of Boulder announced Tuesday that former District Attorney Stan Garnett will no longer be asked to head an independent review into the actions of the Boulder Police Department in a suspected incident of racial bias on March 1. A police officer approached a black man who was picking up trash outside of his own house and asked if he was allowed to be there. The man replied that he was and presented identification, but the officer asked him repeatedly to drop his "weapon," a clamp and bucket he was using to pick up trash. Several other officers arrived as back-up and at least one had a gun drawn, although it remained pointed to the ground during the incident.

The City of Boulder committed to an independent review of the incident, in addition to the internal investigation within the police department. At a public meeting to discuss the incident and broader issues of racial bias within Boulder on Monday night, City Manager Jane Brautigam announced that Garnett had agreed to head that review.

Zayd Atkinson, the man involved, criticized the choice of Garnett in comments at the meeting, stating that a former DA with a 9-year tenure in Boulder was not an appropriate choice for an independent review.

"Boulder has not taken this request seriously," said Atkinson in his comments. "I have been ignored and my power has been taken away again."

The Tuesday announcement stated that Brautigam has informed city council that she has decided against asking Garnett to fill the spot. Instead, according to the news release, City Attorney Tom Carr will consult with attorneys for Atkinson in order to select the person who will fill that spot.

During Tuesday night's council meeting, Brautigam further indicated that she would be recommending establishing a 12-person task force to explore what type of a citizen oversight board for police should be formed in Boulder. At least half of the recommended task force would be comprised of people of color.