Boulder monitor will stop referring cases both monitor and PSU call unfounded; panel objects and votes to seek outside counsel

BOULDER, Colo. — On Nov. 10, 2025, members of the Boulder Police Oversight Panel challenged the city’s independent police monitor after she described a new practice under which she and the police Professional Standards Unit (PSU) will jointly screen and close some complaint cases without referring them to the civilian panel for possible review.

Sherry, the city’s independent police monitor, told the panel she will “begin exercising discretion under the ordinance to not refer cases to the panel when PSU and I agree on unfounded or exonerated” classifications. She said the change is grounded in a 2023 general order that created a triage process to preserve limited oversight resources and reduce long delays for complainants and officers.

Panel members said the practice conflicts with the ordinance that established the oversight system and warned it weakens the panel’s independence and community oversight role. “I cannot, in good…