The Denver Post
Police meet to plan ways to help Turney
Saturday, April 17, 2004 -
Denver police officers today are rallying around Officer James Turney after city officials suspended him without pay for 10 months for killing a developmentally disabled teenager.
Officers are meeting today to plan ways to help Turney, both emotionally and financially. It's expected that Turney will be at the meeting. Many officers oppose Turney's suspension, feeling city officials caved in to public pressure. Turney was disciplined for shooting and killing 15-year-old Paul Childs last summer after the boy refused to drop a knife. The killing triggered a public outcry. The Police Protective Association, the union which represents Denver police officers, called a meeting this afternoon to answer questions those officers have and to discuss ways they can help Turney and his family. In addition to Turney, Police Chief Gerry Whitman was expected to be at today's meeting. PPA officials say the union already has set up a fund to which officers can contribute to help the Turney family financially. According to the PPA, a written appeal of Turney's suspension will be filed with the civil service commission within 10 days. Turney's 10-month suspension began Thursday. When he returns to work he'll be assigned to an administrative position. For more, go to 9NEWS.com. |