Title
A Resolution Confirming the Mayor’s Appointment of Adrian Vasquez as Police Chief
Presenter:
John Suthers, Mayor
Body
Summary:
City Charter Article IV, Section 4-40(f) requires the Mayor to appoint a Police Chief to serve at the Mayor’s pleasure, subject to confirmation by the concurring vote of a majority of members of City Council.
The duties of the Police Chief as a peace officer are prescribed by Colorado statute and City Code Chapter 8, Article I.
The proposed resolution would confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Adrian Vasquez as the Police Chief for the City of Colorado Springs, replacing Vincent Niski who retired as the City’s Police Chief on March 7, 2022. If confirmed, the HayDen Kane, Chief Municipal Judge, will immediately administer the Oath of Office to the new Police Chief.
Background:
Adrian Vasquez joined the Colorado Springs Police Department July 31, 1995, after serving in the United States Air Force for 9 ½ years. He has served in the Sand Creek Division, the Metro, Vice, Narcotics and Intelligence (Metro VNI) Division and on the DEA Task Force. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2011, where he served in Patrol before transferring to the Violent Crimes Section where he oversaw the Homicide, Assault, Robbery and Victim Advocacy Units. Vasquez was promoted to the rank of Commander in 2016 when he was assigned to the Stetson Hills Division. In 2017, he was transferred to the Specialized Enforcement Division where he oversaw the Tactical Operations Section, Patrol Support Section and Protective Security Section. In April of 2019, he was promoted to Deputy Chief where he has oversight of the Patrol Operations Bureau and later became the deputy chief of the Operations Support Bureau.
Adrian Vasquez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Colorado State University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He is a graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership and the FBI National Academy, Session 267.
Previous Council Action:
No prior Council action has been taken with regard to appointment of Police Chief following the retirement of Vincent Niski on March 7, 2022.
Financial Implications:
Adrian Vasquez’s initial annual salary will be set at $205,500, together with applicable benefits. Such salary is within the range for Police Chief as established by the City’s 2022 salary structure for civilian and sworn municipal employees.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
Stakeholders, including the Mayor, Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer, and representatives of the City Council, have been involved in the review of candidates for the position of Police Chief and concur with the recommendation for confirmation of Adrian Vasquez as Police Chief.
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
Do not approve the proposed resolution.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Approve a Resolution Confirming the Mayor’s Appointment of Vincent B. Niski as Police Chief
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A