The Denver Post: The city of Denver on Thursday ordered an independent investigation into the police department’s second-in-command for his handling of an internal-affairs case and his response to an open-records request, the Department of Safety announced.

The investigation comes after questions were raised by the police union and local media about the actions of Deputy Police Chief Matt Murray, who is in charge of the department’s administration and serves as chief of staff.

In a statement, Stephanie O’Malley, the safety department’s executive director, said: “As Executive Director of Safety, it is my duty to provide civilian oversight to the Denver Police Department. As such, I have decided to initiate an outside, third-party investigation into this matter to ensure transparency and accountability.”

Independent Monitor Nick Mitchell will work with the third-party investigator, who has not been selected, the statement said.

In an e-mail to The Denver Post, Murray said: “(Police Chief Robert White) and I welcome an independent third-party investigation into these allegations. This investigation will disclose the truth of this matter and will put it to rest. We have been very clear and transparent with the facts in this case.”

Murray was criticized in May by then-District Attorney Mitch Morrissey over his handling of an internal-affairs investigation that led to the arrest of an officer and a woman, who was named as his accomplice.

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