David Shaklee

Profession

Sergeant - Adams County Sheriff's Office

City of residence

Commerce City, Colorado

About me

-35 year veteran of Adams County Sheriff's Office ; 20 years of Detective Experience investigating everything from burglary, domestic violence, auto theft, sexual assault and homicides. 
-Lead Detective in homicide case that started as missing person.  We found the body and through a Grand Jury, ultimately convicted the murderer and his criminal co-conspirators
-Only criminal investigator seeking Coroner position, whereby its the statutory responsibility to investigate and determine manner and cause of death

Campaign website

www.shaklee4coroner.com

Explain the role of the County Coroner and why it matters to residents of Adams County residents.

The Coroner's statutory responsibility to investigate and determine the manner and cause of death to individuals who die in Adams and Broomfield Counties.  The office should always act with political independence of law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney's Office.  The Coroner has the statutory authority to use a Coroner's Inquest much like a Grand Jury to determine if criminality is involved in a death when the occasions occur, whereby the District Attorney's Office declines to prosecute.  The Coroner essentially serves as sort of a "check and balance" acting as the voice and in the interest of the deceased.

What makes you the best candidate for job?

My 35 years of law enforcement experience including 20 years as a Detective make me ideally suited, against an opponent who has never been a member of law enforcement nor a medical professional.  

If you’re elected, what single issue will be at the top of your agenda?

Elijah McClain's situation in Aurora MUST NEVER happen again in Adams County.  It is a tragic case on so many levels.  The current Coroner botched the case and death investigation so badly that, for the first time in Adams County history, the Democrat Governor removed the case from her office by Executive Order and gave it to the Attorney General, who seated a Grand Jury.  It could've been avoided with a Coroner's Inquest. 

Never repeating this and attracting and retaining qualified investigative personnel are my top priorities.

How does the Coroner's job fit in with other Law Enforcement professionals, such as police and district attorneys?

The Coroner works collaboratively with all law enforcement agencies but also conducts a parallel investigation in many respects separate from law enforcement.  Again, the Coroner's Office must be "independent" and serves the best interests of the deceased and their families during the most difficult time of their life- the loss of a loved one.

If elected, what must you accomplish in order for you to consider your term a success?

I would be successful if I do not have the Governor removing cases from my office due to my incompetence. 

I would consider myself successful if I "earn" the respect and the vote of the citizens of Adams County for which I serve.  I serve everyone equally, Democrat, Republican or Independent.  I would be successful if I have less than the well over 100 percent turnover of investigators in the current Coroner's Office.  I want people to work for my office until retirement and will treat all with compassion, dignity and respect.