Denver Police Officers Placed on Administrative Leave

The city has recommended disciplinary action against two high-ranking Denver police officers after an internal inquiry.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a generic administrative building facade, conveying institutional oversight. — The Denver Department of Public Safety has placed two high-ranking police officers on administrative leave following an independent investigation into policy violations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Denver Department of Public Safety placed Division Chief Magen Dodge and Sgt. Justin Dodge on paid administrative leave following a sustained policy violation. An independent outside investigation determined that Magen Dodge created a toxic work environment while Justin Dodge interfered with internal affairs investigations.

Why it matters

The investigation and subsequent leave follow a formal inquiry into the conduct of the two long-serving officers. Their disciplinary status highlights the city's commitment to oversight through the involvement of an independent investigator and the Office of the Independent Monitor.

Magen Dodge and Sgt. Justin Dodge, who have served 27 and 28 years respectively, are currently on paid administrative leave. The officers are entitled to present mitigating facts before the city issues a final disciplinary ruling.

The players

Magen Dodge

She is a Division Chief with the Denver Police Department who has served for 27 years.

Justin Dodge

He is a Sergeant with the Denver Police Department who has served for 28 years.

Denver Department of Public Safety

This local agency is the municipal department responsible for police oversight and administrative disciplinary actions in Denver.

Office of the Independent Monitor

This agency serves as an independent oversight body that monitors police conduct and disciplinary investigations within the city.

The details

The city initiated an inquiry that was conducted by an independent outside investigator and reviewed by the Office of the Independent Monitor. Magen Dodge was previously involved in a 2019 gender discrimination complaint that resulted in a $280,000 settlement.

In 2019, Magen Dodge filed a gender discrimination complaint.
In 2023, Justin Dodge was injured in a parade accident.
In 2024, Justin Dodge returned to work on the SWAT team.
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, the officers were placed on paid administrative leave.
On October 9, 2026, the department confirmed the disciplinary status.

Legal Context

This disciplinary inquiry follows the established framework of the Denver Police Department's internal affairs disciplinary policy. Such oversight mechanisms are designed to maintain institutional accountability by ensuring that allegations of misconduct undergo independent review.

The disciplinary action against these high-ranking officers underscores the role of the Office of the Independent Monitor in maintaining accountability. Residents may monitor future city announcements regarding the final resolution of this administrative case.

The takeaway

The use of an independent investigator in this case reflects a broader effort to ensure transparency in police disciplinary proceedings. Maintaining clear conduct standards is vital for public trust in municipal law enforcement agencies.