A settlement agreement has been reached with Steamboat Springs Police Commander Annette Dopplick, who left the police department last month after five years of service. Dopplick is being paid $108,295.21 by the City of Steamboat Springs covering severance, 401K and Cobra payment. A letter of reference recommending Dopplick for employment is being provided by City Manager Gary Suiter.
As it is a personnel issue, the departure isn’t being discussed. But there is an internal investigation and an outside agency has been brought in to conduct an inquiry. The settlement letter says allegations of working conditions and those of other female officers will be investigated. The press release also says the city has embarked on a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiative and will develop a multi-year strategic plan. As part of the program, city council and staff will receive training to better understand and identify diversity, equity, and inclusion biases.
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Police Commander Settlement Agreement Reached: City Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative Underway With Industry Leading Firm
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-May 10, 2021-The City of Steamboat Springs today released a settlement agreement with Police Commander Annette Dopplick, who departed the Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) last month after five years of service.
“We take all comments and concerns from our staff seriously,” said City Manager Gary Suiter. “As this is a personnel issue, we won’t be publicly discussing this particular matter further.”
The city announced Commander Dopplick’s departure in an April 22 press release. An internal investigation is ongoing and an outside agency has been brought in to conduct the inquiry.
“The city strives every day to ensure a good working environment and employee culture across the organization and will continue to work in that direction,” continued Suiter.
As part of that commitment, the city embarked on a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiative earlier this year with Maria Velasco and her firm Beyond Inclusion Group. The program is assessing the current state of DEI within the city and will develop a multi-year DEI strategic plan for the organization where inclusive and equitable workplace cultures exist for everyone to thrive and belong. As part of the program, city council and staff will receive training to better understand and identify DEI biases as well as ways to ensure all are equitably heard.
