Colorado Mental Health Institute police chief under investigation

The police chief at the state mental health hospital is being investigated by state authorities.

Richard McMarron was walked off of the grounds of the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo last Thursday, Sept. 26, sources told The Denver Gazette, but the reason for his removal is a mystery.

Rob Low, spokesperson for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, confirmed that the department was tasked with an inquiry into possible misconduct.

In an email, the Colorado Department of Human Services confirmed the inquiry into the police chief with a statement saying he is "on leave," adding that "Deputy Chief Dave Ramirez will be serving as Acting Chief. As this is a personnel matter, we can not release additional information at this time."

McMorran has led public safety at Pueblo’s Colorado Mental Health Institute (CMHI) for six years.

McMorran has been chief at CMHI at a Pueblo since 2018 when he replaced the former police chief Louis Archuleta, who retired in good standing, according to his wife, Debbie.

Archuleta had been Police Chief at the state hospital since 2009, but started work there in public safety in 1987.

State records show that in 2022, McMorran’s salary was upwards of $104,000.

As of Thursday morning, Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training did not have McMorran listed for any action, although the website only updates monthly.

CMHIP is Colorado's largest public psychiatric institution, and describes itself as a 516-bed acute care hospital.

There are currently 61 law enforcement officers assigned to the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health where they provide law enforcement for the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo. Ten are P.O.S.T Certified Police Officers and 51 are Certified Peace Officers according to Stephanie Frederickson, with the Office of Civil and Mental Health.