Denver Black Police Officer’s Organization
1331 Cherokee Street, Denver, CO 80204
Tamara Molyneaux – President
Betty Hale – Vice President
Ligeia Craven – Financial Secretary
Jeff McDonald – Information Officer
Chris Parker – Sergeant-At-Arms
Celena Hollis – Secretary
Fred Little – Treasurer
Dear Members,
It was recently brought to the attention of the BPO Board that the company contracted by the Denver Police Department to provide professional psychological services, Nicoletti-Flatter and Associates, currently had no minority psychologists on staff.
No complaints regarding the lack of psychological service provider options had been brought to our attention, but we recognized the possibility that officers in need may feel more comfortable receiving psychological services from a provider of like orientation. This concern was brought to the attention of Chief Whitman and Dr. Nicoletti himself.
Upon meeting with both Chief Whitman and Dr. Nicoletti; it was our mutual agreement that the Denver Police Department should continue their relationship with Nicoletti-Flatter and Associates, since literally hundreds of officers and their families are currently utilizing the free services they provide and we would not want to interrupt the continuity already established between those patients and providers.
Dr. Nicoletti did explain that his staff is selected for him by the University of Denver and no attempts are made to exclude minority applicants. Nevertheless, Dr. Nicoletti did recognize the possibility that the lack of provider options might discourage some officers from seeking the services they may desperately need.
Dr. Nicoletti further acknowledged that he does have an African-American woman currently working for him in an intern capacity until she earns her Doctorate to become a fulltime staff member and agreed to include her photograph on his company website so those visiting the site will identify her as a service option.
In addition, Dr Nicoletti agreed to sub-contract on a referral basis for those who prefer a specific provider option, upon request. This contingency will be brought to the attention of each Peer Support counselor, as they are in the best position to inform officers and their families of this particular option if needed.
In closing, please feel free to reach out to the BPO Board if you have specific needs or concerns regarding any services provided by the Department.
Sincerely,
The BPO Board