For Immediate Release

Back to Littleton Press Room

Littleton City Manager Requests Investigation by Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office

Littleton City Manager Jim Woods has requested the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office initiate an investigation into the possible improper use of the Littleton Police Department’s (LPD) new telephone recording system.

Although the city has not received any formal complaints about improper use of the system, new information has come to light that raises concerns as to whether an LPD employee listened to recorded messages on another employee’s phone.  As a result, one employee of the LPD has been placed on indefinite, paid, investigative leave. 

The Arapahoe County D.A.’s Office will determine whether state or federal eavesdropping or wiretapping laws were violated.

As part of the plans for the 14,000 square-foot expansion of the LPD building, an upgraded and expanded telephone system with recording capabilities was included in the budget.  It was installed this summer on the phones of employees of the rank of sergeant, detective, lieutenant, commander, and the chief – a total of 26 phones.  Such systems are widely used by law enforcement agencies across the country as an investigative tool for interviewing witnesses, victims, and suspects.

Depending on the outcome of the criminal investigation, the city may also conduct an internal investigation.