Should a police officer who is being accused of using excessive force be promoted within the ranks at the same time?

That is the question that has been perplexing public officials and citizens of Aurora for the last few days on the tails of the announcement that Charles DeShazer, a police officer for the city of Aurora, was promoted to lieutenant.

DeShazer was accused of using excessive force against Loree McCormick-Rice and her daughter, Cassidy, on June 17. A four-member panel later cleared DeShazer of any wrong doing in the incident.

According to The Denver Post, a federal lawsuit is pending against DeShazer for allegedly injuring Cassidy and calling her a racial slur.

Already, many groups in Aurora and the area are voicing their concerns over the promotion to Police Chief Dan Oates and others with power in the department. At the center of these groups' concerns is how the system can promote somebody who is being sued in federal court.

According to the Rocky Mountain News, Oates said that he had no say in the promotion, as currently the city charter automatically promotes the person who scored highest on an evaluation.

This discussion is also going on while Aurora Police are planning on having three community forums with police officers and members of the community. These forums will be a chance for the public to interact with police officers with the point of easing race relations in the city. They will take place on May 7, 8 and 9.

What do you think about the promotion of DeShazer to lieutenant? Do you believe that the system should be fixed to allow the police chief more of a say in which officers get promoted? You can leave a comment below, post your own story about it or why not start a blog?

Events

Here are some things that you can do this weekend to enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather.

-Buffalo Trail Elementary School will be holding a fundraising bake sale from 4-8 p.m. April 27 at the Tollgate Crossing Clubhouse, 24625 E. Bellewood Drive. There will be a bake sale, gift basket drawings and much more. For more information, e-mail deannastamps@comcast.net.

-The Aurora History Museum is sponsoring an antique appraisal fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 28 at 15051 E. Alameda Parkway. Call 303-739-6705 for an appointment to have your antiques and collectibles evaluated by local appraisers. Bring dishes, jewelry, artwork, dolls, coins and more. $5 per item. All proceeds benefit the Aurora History Museum Foundation.

-Congressman Ed Perlmutter will be at the Safeway at 1730 S. Buckley Road from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 28 as part of his Government at the Grocery series. The Congressman will have staff members from his district office with him to help greet constituents and conduct new casework intakes.

- Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will be performing at the Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. at 7:30 p.m. April 27 and 28 and 2 p.m. April 29. Tennessee Williams' classic play will come to life as put on by the talented cast and crew. Tickets are $24 with a $6 discount for groups of 10 or more. For more information and tickets, call the Fox at 303-739-1970.

News

- The Aurora Sentinel has more about the DeShazer controversy. They also have a story about the annual Fourth of July fireworks display.

-The Rocky Mountain News has a story about new water restrictions for the city of Aurora.

-And CBS4Denver.com has a little bit about an office fire in Aurora that destroyed part of a building.

Have a nice weekend!