FAMILY ANGRY OVER REPORT ON 2015 JAIL DEATH

The family of a jail inmate killed by Denver Sheriff Department deputies criticized public safety officials on Monday, saying the city has done nothing to prove it is willing to force change at its sheriff’s department.

Natalia Marshall, whose uncle Michael Marshall died after being restrained by deputies in November 2015, said her family doubts the city’s willingness to adopt recommendations made in a report released Monday by Nick Mitchell, the city’s independent monitor.

The recommendations included moving the sheriff’s internal affairs bureau to civilian oversight.

But the monitor cannot force the department to adopt any of his ideas.

“Unfortunately, because they don’t have any power they only can suggest these things,” Marshall said. “Who knows if the police department or sheriff’s department will actually take these things into consideration.”

Marshall also said her family was angry that one deputy involved was nominated for a life-saving award for the incident and that another deputy was allowed to transfer to the Denver Police Department during a criminal investigation into her uncle’s death.

“Could you imagine how our family feels? How would you feel?” she said. “To say I’m angry and devastated is an understatement.”