Denver Spends Over $100K on Investigation of Top Police Commander

City refuses to release completed 14-month probe into Division Chief Magen Dodge's leadership

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The City of Denver has spent over $110,000 on a 14-month investigation into the leadership of Denver Police Division Chief Magen Dodge, the highest-ranking female officer in the department. However, the city is refusing to release the completed investigation report, citing an ongoing disciplinary process against Dodge.

Why it matters

This investigation highlights concerns about transparency and accountability within the Denver Police Department, as well as questions around the treatment of high-ranking female officers. Dodge has a history of filing complaints against the department, and the current probe appears to involve allegations of a 'toxic' work environment under her leadership.

The details

The investigation into Dodge began in October 2024 after the city hired two outside firms to conduct a workplace probe. Over the next 14 months, dozens of interviews were conducted, audio recordings were reviewed, and the Denver Police Protective Association and the Office of the Independent Monitor were involved. The final cost of the investigation was $110,287.50, with one billing entry referencing 'charter research re demotion authority'.

  • The investigation into Division Chief Magen Dodge began in October 2024.
  • The executive summary of the report was completed on December 4, 2025.
  • The final cost of the 14-month investigation was $110,287.50.

The players

Magen Dodge

The highest-ranking female officer in the Denver Police Department, serving as the Division Chief of Administration and Support. She has been with the department for 27 years and has a history of filing complaints against the department, including a $280,000 settlement in 2019 over allegations of sexism and retaliation.

Robert White

The former Denver Police Chief who was accused of making crude, sexist, and 'demeaning' remarks around Dodge. The city eventually cleared White of any wrongdoing.

Andrea Webber

The Records Administrator for Denver's Department of Public Safety, which oversees the Denver Police Department. Webber has refused to release the completed investigation report, citing an ongoing disciplinary process against Dodge.

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What they’re saying

“I have determined based upon a balancing of the factors... that the potential harm in disclosing the investigation report prior to the completion of the disciplinary process significantly weighs against the public interest at this time.”

— Andrea Webber, Records Administrator, Denver Department of Public Safety (CBS Colorado)

“The investigation report will be available for release upon completion of the process.”

— Andrea Webber, Records Administrator, Denver Department of Public Safety (CBS Colorado)

What’s next

The disciplinary process against Division Chief Magen Dodge is ongoing, and the city has stated the investigation report will be released upon its completion.

The takeaway

This investigation raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the Denver Police Department, particularly in regards to the treatment of high-ranking female officers like Magen Dodge. The city's refusal to release the completed report, citing an ongoing disciplinary process, only adds to the questions surrounding this probe and its potential implications for the department's leadership and culture.