Police leader of problematic Colorado station suspended after rant about diversity hires: We should hire 10% crackheads

The head of the Aurora Police Union was suspended after sending a letter complaining about diversity requirements for the police department, local CBS4 reported Tuesday.

Aurora has been fielding several scandals that has ushered in a series of changes to the department.

That evidently triggered Police Union President Doug Wilkinson, who sent an email complaining about "diversity hires."

"To match the 'diversity' of 'the community' we could make sure to hire 10% illegal aliens, 50% weed smokers, 10% crackheads, and a few child molesters and murderers to round it out. You know, so we can make the department look like the 'community,'" the email said.

READ MORE: Newly unearthed video shows teen shot and killed by police had his hands in the air

Officers complained to human resources, handing over the email and Wilkinson was put on leave with pay the next day.

"We have seen the letter," Lt. Chris Amsler told CBS4. He said, "Chief [Vanessa] Wilson is very concerned about the allegations that have been brought forth by several concerned and courageous employees. Due to the sensitive nature of this on-going investigation we can not discuss this case further. We would like to remind the media and our community that the Aurora Police Association does not speak for the Aurora Police Department nor are they the recognized bargaining unit with the City of Aurora."

The more public scandals began in 2019 when police officers killed 23-year-old Elijah McClain. Someone called 911 saying McClain "looked sketchy" and was wearing a ski mask and waving his arms. Police arrived and before the night was over McClain was dead. The three Aurora officers then recreated the slaying at a memorial site for McClain that they posted on social media.

McClain's death prompted an investigation into the Aurora Police and Fire Departments because not only did they suffocate McClain, the EMTs who arrived at the scene injected him with ketamine. He was never suspected of any crime.

The investigation into the department found a pattern of racially biased policing and the use of excessive force. The investigation also revealed the Fire Department's EMTs regular use of ketamine was unlawful.

The police and fire departments' behaviors have sent shockwaves through the community. District Attorneys fear that more than 170 felony cases could be impacted by the investigation.

In wake of the investigations, the attorney and the city entered a "consent decree" mandating that the police department be reformed and implement specific hiring and training practices. The requirement will remain in effect for five years.