In Edgewater, Colorado, lawmakers are gearing up for a crucial hearing on a bill designed to safeguard whistleblowers who expose police misconduct.
Advocates argue that House Bill 24-1460 is overdue and essential for purging rogue cops from Colorado’s law enforcement agencies. However, facing opposition from law enforcement groups who deem it irresponsible and superfluous, the bill’s fate hangs in the balance.
McKinzie Rees harbored a lifelong aspiration of becoming a police officer, inspired by her grandfather’s legacy in law enforcement. Her journey led her to the Edgewater Police Department, but her dream was shattered in 2019 following a traumatic incident at a Christmas party.
Rees bravely recounted being sexually assaulted by a fellow officer, Nathan Geerdes, during the event, an ordeal that left her emotionally scarred.
Despite reporting the assault, Rees faced a prolonged period of uncertainty and silence within the department. It wasn’t until nearly a year later that action was taken, spurred by two colleagues who escalated the matter to higher authorities due to perceived mishandling within the department. Ultimately, Geerdes faced justice, but not before Rees discovered she wasn’t his only victim.
In the wake of her harrowing experience, Rees is now a staunch advocate for HB24-1460, a legislative proposal that mandates thorough investigations into misconduct allegations within law enforcement.
The bill aims to hold agencies and officers accountable, empowering victims to pursue legal recourse if their complaints are ignored. However, facing staunch opposition from law enforcement organizations, the bill’s passage remains uncertain.
State Representative Leslie Herod, a key proponent of the bill, remains undeterred by the pushback, emphasizing the importance of accountability within law enforcement.
As Rees prepares to testify in support of the bill, her journey serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by whistleblowers in seeking justice.
Rees’s own struggle extends beyond her advocacy efforts; she contends with the aftermath of her decision to speak out, facing retaliation and professional repercussions.
Despite these obstacles, she remains resilient, embroiled in a legal battle with the City of Edgewater as she endeavors to reclaim her passion for law enforcement.
