Chief works to soothe relations with activists

Colorado Springs police and war protesters haven’t found much common ground lately, but Monday they got friendly enough to talk about favorite TV shows.

Police Chief Richard Myers confessed he doesn’t watch cop shows but loves “ER,” “The Office” and “My Name is Earl.”

The TV question was the last one posed at a Colorado College forum hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union’s Colorado Springs chapter.

In addition to Myers, several of the “St. Paddy’s Day Seven” — activists arrested after trying to march in the parade March 17 — attended.

The protesters have accused police of using unnecessary force in removing them from the parade route and have told City Council members there is little chance for reconciliation. But reconciliation appeared to begin Monday.

In a half-hour speech Monday night, Myers told the ACLU chapter that he wants more transparency in the police force and seeks to hire officers with good character.

“The police as a group are one of the most misunderstood minorities in our country,” Myers said.

At the request of moderator and ACLU member Tom Mowle, the event didn’t directly address the St. Patrick’s Day arrests or let the estimated 100 audience members ask questions about the controversy.

Myers said as a police chief he doesn’t wear his political views on his sleeve. Before he moved to Colorado Springs, he said friends told him they weren’t sure he could survive in this conservative city.

But at a Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition meeting last week, Myers told members his views weren’t completely in line with theirs.

“They have guns, but you have alcohol,” Myers joked Monday night, referring to the beer and wine being served at the ACLU forum.

Myers said he wants to hire police officers who are “reluctant warriors” — officers who don’t want to join the SWAT team from day one.

“I want them for their service orientation, for their people skills and their sense of optimism,” Myers said. “But when there is a fight to fight, they must fight to survive.”

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0274 or jennifer.wilson@gazette.com