Chief of Police Bill Otto
After a review process by city staff and an interview with City Council on Feb. 15, Interim Police Chief Bill Otto was offered and accepted the permanent position.
The city of Manitou Springs opened an internal job posting for the position on Feb. 2, and Otto was the sole applicant.
He served more than 20 years at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, where he began as a booking officer for the jail. He then moved on to become a patrol officer, school resource officer, detective, patrol sergeant, internal affairs investigator, sergeant for the Special Victims Unit and sergeant for the Major Crimes Unit.
In 2018, Otto retired as a sergeant for the Major Crimes Unit.
He began his career with the Manitou Springs Police Department as a detective in July 2020 and became acting police chief in January 2021. This position transitioned over to interim police chief in summer 2021.
“I am excited to continue to serve the Manitou Springs community, and to continue my career with the city of Manitou Springs. The Manitou Springs Police Department is in the best position it has ever been,” Otto said.
“We have dedicated officers who are committed to community policing and, in the past year, have implemented 50-plus policies and procedures to support the longevity of our Police Department.”
In the city’s press release, Otto also mentioned the regular community engagement opportunities to help shape who MSPD officers are and how the community connects with them. They include Coffee with a Cop, sports ball distributions at local schools, community meetings and other ways to connect with the community, all of which he hopes will continue for years to come.
“Chief Otto has done an admirable job, particularly in light of many challenges. He has cultivated a good sense of the community’s unique personality, and this will help drive his sense of law enforcement and public safety. He’s a great fit,” Mayor John Graham said.