By Hector Gutierrez And Sarah Langbein, Rocky Mountain News
May 26, 2004

For once, Denver police officers say, they would like to see the city defend one of its own in court.

The Denver Police Protective Association believes officer James Turney did the right thing when he shot 15-year-old Paul Childs, who was armed with a 13-inch kitchen knife.

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The city, however, decided to pay the Childs family $1.3 million.

"The city has made the decision, and we will respect that decision," said Sgt. Mike Mosco, president of the association. "Do we agree with it? Absolutely not. But it's a decision that they made.

"I disagree with any case that they settle. At some point you need to take a stand and pursue these cases. You need to stand behind your officers and say, 'Our officers did the right thing, and we're just not going to be an open checkbook.' "

At least one officer, Detective Rufino Trujillo, was shocked to hear the amount of the settlement.

"I was disappointed the city would settle," Trujillo said. "They should have gone to court and let a jury make the decision. I don't think any jury would have given them that much money."

Trujillo called the settlement "the easy way out."

But he tried to remain optimistic that some answers would finally come to light now that the potential of a civil case appears over.

"Every officer will still say, 'What did Turney do that was wrong?' " the detective said. "Now, hopefully they'll be able to set the record straight."

Copyright 2004, Rocky Mountain News. All Rights Reserved.