Aurora, CO – The man charged with responding to one of the deadliest shootings in recent memory began his career in law enforcement as a highly regarded member of the NYPD and is being described by colleagues as uniquely qualified to deal with the devastating tragedy in Colorado.
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Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates served for twenty one years as a member of New York’s finest. He began his career with the NYPD patrolling the streets of Manhattan’s Upper East Side in 1980 and according to a New York Post report, Oates, who graduated from New York Law School while he was working as a police officer, was quickly noticed by his superiors, including current Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, for his quick intellect.
“He was probably one of the smartest guys in the Police Department during his tenure,” retired NYPD Lieutenant Thomas Tuffey told the Post.
Oates served as a commanding member of the Intelligence Division within the NYPD, chief counsel and commanding officer of both the Legal Bureau and the Police Cadet Corps and was the deputy chief and executive officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South when he left the NYPD in 2001.
Oates went on to serve in Ann Arbor, Michigan until 2005 where, as the newly hired chief of police, he was recognized for having minimized attacks against members of the local Muslim community following the September 11th terrorist attacks and being instrumental in bringing about healing after those devastating events, skills that will prove to be useful in the coming days as Aurora residents attempt to go on with their lives.
“He was just great to have around for his advice and we did not have any incidents in Arbor and other communities did,” Ann Arbor mayor John Hieftje told news site AnnArbor.com. “That kind of really calm, sage advice will service the people in Colorado very well.”
Hieftje also told AnnArbor.com that Oates is particularly well suited to dealing with the uncertainty that is part of an ongoing investigation such as the one that is currently underway in Colorado.
“There will be no ambiguity,” Hieftje said. “He will be straightforward and his people will be performing like a military team.”
Ann Arbor deputy police chief Greg Bazick told Ann Arbor.com that Oates’ extensive experience with the NYPD gave him a unique perspective on dealing with crisis situations, helping their department further refine their existing protocols for dealing with disasters, including scenarios such as this.
Oates is currently the tenth chief of police in Aurora, a city with a population of 332,354 and during his first four years in office, Oates is credited with a thirty percent reduction in major crime in the area. He was honored with the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police Ralph Smith Innovation Award in 2008 and is a member of the Long Island University’s Homeland Security Management Institute’s Board of Advisors.
Oates, the father of two daughters, graduated from Bucknell University in 1977 with a degree in English and also holds a master’s degree in management from New York University. He is licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey and Colorado.
Dan is a wonderful Police Chief!! I remember him back in the days together with Sgt White helping the jewish community on the High Holidays!! Lets hope his town heals soon from this terrible tragedy!