March 3, 2025 – CBI – Lakewood, CO –The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is releasing a series of independent investigations requested by Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) Executive Director Stan Hilkey following a series of allegations made against CBI Director Chris Schaefer. Employment Matters/Mark Flynn Investigations Group (EMFIG) conducted the investigations.
EMFIG investigated anonymous allegations that CBI Director Chris Schaefer gave preferential treatment to a CBI employee who was found to have used a racial slur on body-camera. There was no finding of preferential treatment by Director Schaefer. There was, however, a finding that the CBI employee used a racial slur, for which the employee has been disciplined. This included racial sensitivity training and his pending promotion was canceled. The employee was also reassigned.
The independent investigation by EMFIG affirmed Director Schaefer immediately removed himself from having any involvement in the investigation and exerted no influence during the process or on the outcome.
EMFIG also investigated other allegations made against Director Schaefer that surfaced after the first investigation. The independent investigation determined the allegations lacked merit..
Executive Director Stan Hilkey is releasing an Appointing Authority memo that details why, based on the independent investigations, he did not sustain any of the allegations against Director Schaefer. Also, the memo directs future investigations related to bias, discrimination, or sexual harassment by employees to the EDO (Executive Director’s Office) Compliance Office, per a department-wide policy recently implemented.
“As the Appointing Authority for Director Schaefer, I reviewed the information contained in the four reports produced by (EM/FIG) and determined each issue to be unfounded or not sustained, and I conclude that there was no wrong-doing on the part of Director Schaefer in each of the matters,” Executive Director Hilkey stated in the attached memo.
While none of the allegations made against Director Schaefer were sustained, the investigation was treated seriously in an effort to determine what improvements CBI can make as an organization.
“We encourage employees to voice concerns through the multiple channels we have in place, and we take allegations such as these seriously. The department is confident these issues have been thoroughly addressed and we have taken the necessary steps to vet these allegations, some dating back several years,” said Executive Director Hilkey. “It is imperative the department now focuses its efforts on the important mission and work of the CBI.”
"While I always planned to exit the Department of Public Safety on the heels of my 30-year anniversary with the organization, it was critical to delay this announcement until the conclusion of the independent, third-party review. " said CBI Director Chris Schaefer, who's announcing his retirement effective May 2. “I want to emphasize that I have not been asked to retire. In fact, I have received nothing but support from my colleagues with the Department of Public Safety.”