Denver Covered Up Police Commander's Toxic Workplace

Denver taxpayers spent over $110,000 to uncover the truth about a toxic workplace inside their police department. Then, city officials decided to bury the findings. A confidential 66-page report reveals a high-ranking police division chief created a severely abusive environment that left employees with panic attacks, ulcers, and depression. Yet, months after its completion, there has been zero accountability.

A Culture of Fear and Retaliation

The independent investigation, led by former U.S. Attorney for Colorado Robert Troyer, centers on Division Chief Magen Dodge. Investigators concluded that Dodge created an abusive, bullying work environment and tormented subordinates. The report details a ruthless culture where officers felt targeted for challenging leadership.

Employees described a climate of sheer terror. One officer told investigators that commanders were willing to destroy each other for their own ends. Another commander quoted Dodge's philosophy on leadership:

Cut people's heads off, put them on a pike, and parade them around the office.

The physical and mental toll on staff was devastating. Employees reported severe consequences from the alleged mistreatment:

• Panic attacks and severe anxiety
• Ulcers and hair loss
• Sleep deprivation and depression
• Seeking psychological counseling

One male lieutenant said Dodge just about destroyed him. He described her treatment as severely abusive, noting that some days he could barely bring himself to put on his uniform.

Investigators also documented shocking instances of cruelty. Dodge allegedly threw boxes at an officer attempting to transfer and repeatedly used a homophobic slur as her go-to description for officers. In another disturbing allegation, she ordered a subordinate to continue working while he was on leave caring for his wife following cancer surgery. The employee described her actions as malicious, saying he developed a hatred of going to work.

Witnesses said Dodge intentionally created impossible conditions for employees to succeed, targeting those who could not fight back. After demeaning subordinates, she would reportedly tell them, You should just be thankful I'm holding you accountable.

Taxpayer-Funded Transparency Denied

Despite the severity of these findings, the city has actively worked to keep the public in the dark. Denver's Department of Public Safety refused to release the report when CBS Colorado filed an open records request, claiming that disclosure would cause potential harm before the disciplinary process concludes.

Philip Martinez, former director of Denver Police's Real-Time Crime Center, resigned five months ago. He believes the city is hiding the truth.

There's some damning information that would make the city and some of the individuals not look good, and I think they're going to hold on to it as a result of that.

Martinez emphasized that the issue strikes at the heart of public trust. This is an executive leader in the police department. Where is the public trust at? If you can't be trusted internally, how can you be trusted externally?

Leadership Looking the Other Way

The lack of accountability goes straight to the top. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas admitted he has not read the report, claiming he is respecting the process by waiting for the Denver Sheriff's Department to review it. When asked if he was surprised he hadn't looked at the report concerning one of his division chiefs, Thomas deflected.

I am interested in the investigation and hope it comes to a conclusion so we can move on, Thomas said.

Thomas acknowledged hearing concerns about Dodge's leadership for five or six years. However, he justified his inaction by stating he never witnessed the troubling behavior firsthand. He characterized Dodge as a very direct communicator and a very stern leader, suggesting that mix doesn't always rub people the right way.

Two years ago, despite the circulating warnings, Thomas promoted Dodge to division chief of administration and support. He even approved her attendance at the prestigious FBI National Academy while the outside investigation was underway. Thomas also admitted he was aware employees feared she would exact revenge if promoted, but he dismissed those concerns.

I didn't believe that would happen, so I promoted her because I thought it was appropriate, Thomas said.

A History of Systemic Issues

This is not the first time Dodge has been at the center of departmental conflict. In 2019, she filed a sexism complaint against the department, accusing former DPD Chief Robert White of making crude and demeaning remarks. She eventually agreed to a $280,000 settlement with the city, though White was cleared of wrongdoing.

The recent report also implicates Dodge's husband, Denver Police Sgt. Justin Dodge. Investigators concluded the couple manipulated, intimidated, and interfered with a subordinate's participation in an Internal Affairs investigation. The report states that Sgt. Dodge was not truthful in his interview.

When institutions protect abusive leaders and hide taxpayer-funded investigations, they erode the very foundation of democratic trust. The citizens of Denver deserve transparency, and the employees of the Denver Police Department deserve a safe workplace free from retaliation and fear.