A police sergeant who used surveillance from AI-powered license plate readers to wrongly accuse a Denver woman of stealing a $25 package will be required to complete additional training in de-escalation techniques, community relations and interviewing skills, internal police documents show.
Sgt. Jamie Milliman must complete the online training within the next 30 days, Columbine Valley Police Chief Bret Cottrell wrote in a Nov. 11 letter of reprimand.
The Colorado Sun received the letter of reprimand Wednesday after filing a public records request.
Milliman displayed “rude behavior” and a “dismissive attitude” and was “unwilling to de-escalate,” the chief’s letter said, when he showed up on Chrisanna Elser’s door Sept. 27 with a summons in hand. Cottrell said Milliman’s demeanor was “unprofessional and inconsistent with the standards expected of a sworn officer” of the Columbine Valley Police Department, but did not cite any errors in his use of the surveillance footage.
The sergeant told Elser that based on footage from a Flock camera in the neighboring town of Bow Mar and doorbell camera footage that he had “no doubt” that she had stolen a package from a porch.
“You know we have cameras in that town. You can’t get a breath of fresh air in or out of that place without us knowing,” Milliman said to Elser, according to Ring doorbell footage of the encounter reviewed by The Colorado Sun.
“Just as an example, you’ve driven there about 20 times in the last month,” he added.
Elser, a financial advisor, asked several times to watch the video that Milliman insisted proved her guilt, but he refused to show her. And when Elser offered up footage from her Rivian’s onboard cameras to prove her innocence, Milliman said she could bring it to court.
“Such behavior undermines public trust, negatively impacts team morale, and does not reflect the values of integrity, respect, and professionalism that this department upholds,” Cottrell said. “As a representative of law enforcement, you are expected to maintain a calm, respectful, and professional demeanor at all times, regardless of circumstances.”
“Continued instances of unprofessional conduct may result in further disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination,” the chief added.
The letter came a day after the town administrator issued a statement about Milliman’s encounter with Elser, which stated Milliman would face “appropriate disciplinary action,” but did not disclose any details.