The City of Ouray is in search of a new police chief following the dismissal of former Chief Jeff Wood. Wood was placed on administrative leave earlier this year due to multiple complaints and allegations, including a serious incident involving his stepson. The city is now focused on finding a leader who can restore trust and integrity within the police department.
Leadership Transition
The transition in leadership comes at a critical time for the Ouray Police Department. With the departure of Jeff Wood, the city has appointed Sergeant Gary Ray as the Acting Police Chief. Ray has been tasked with maintaining stability and ensuring that the department continues to function effectively during this period of change. The city is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent search for a new chief, aiming to find a candidate who embodies the values and standards expected by the community.
The search process will involve input from various stakeholders, including city officials, community members, and law enforcement professionals. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that the selected candidate is well-suited to address the unique challenges faced by the Ouray Police Department. The city has also enlisted the help of a consultant to conduct a national search, broadening the pool of potential candidates.
In the interim, Sergeant Ray has expressed his dedication to upholding the department’s mission and values. He has emphasized the importance of community engagement and transparency, pledging to work closely with residents to address their concerns and build stronger relationships between the police and the community.
Allegations and Investigations
The decision to dismiss Jeff Wood was influenced by a series of allegations and investigations that raised serious concerns about his conduct and leadership. One of the most significant issues involved an alleged sexual assault by Wood’s stepson, which reportedly took place at Wood’s residence. This incident, along with other complaints, prompted the city to place Wood on administrative leave while the investigations were conducted.
In addition to the sexual assault case, there were multiple complaints regarding Wood’s handling of certain cases and his behavior. These included accusations of excessive force, inappropriate comments, and unprofessional conduct. An outside investigation found several sustained complaints against Wood, further justifying the city’s decision to terminate his employment.
The city has been transparent about the reasons for Wood’s dismissal, releasing a detailed letter that outlined the various concerns and complaints. This level of transparency is part of the city’s effort to rebuild trust with the community and demonstrate its commitment to accountability and integrity within the police department.
Moving Forward
As the City of Ouray moves forward with the search for a new police chief, there is a strong emphasis on finding a leader who can bring stability and positive change to the department. The ideal candidate will be someone who not only has the necessary law enforcement experience but also possesses strong leadership skills and a commitment to community-oriented policing.
The city is looking for a chief who can effectively address the challenges faced by the department, including improving community relations, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that all officers adhere to the highest standards of conduct. This search is seen as an opportunity to bring in fresh perspectives and new ideas that can help the department better serve the residents of Ouray.
Community involvement will continue to be a key component of the search process. The city plans to hold public forums and meetings to gather input from residents and ensure that their voices are heard. This inclusive approach is aimed at finding a chief who truly understands and values the needs and concerns of the community.
