Denver police officers fired over messages about using migrant shelters as ‘target practice’

Three Denver police officers accused of joking about going to newcomer shelters for "target practice" have been fired.

The Denver Police Department began investigating the officers — identified as Rodrigo Basurto, Meagan Joy and Scot Persichette — in April after it learned of "disturbing messages that were shared in a group chat," a spokesperson said.

A newcomer shelter provides temporary housing for refugees and migrants.

The officers were fired last month after an extensive investigation. Their terminations were reported to the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training unit as required.

The police department said it was "appalled" by the messages, which it said "are contradictory to the mission and values of the Department, and disrespect not only newcomers and our community, but also every other officer working to keep everyone in our community safe."

The messages were sent March 27, a police spokesperson said. The police department was made aware of them by someone else in the group chat.

Basurto, Joy and Persichette all went through the training academy together and were still in the probationary phase of their employment, according to the police department. Basurto declined to comment. Persichette and Joy could not be reached at phone numbers listed for them Thursday.