AURORA - The city's highest-ranking black police officer, who is leaving for a job in Texas, said Aurora's police chief needs more flexibility in deciding who is promoted if the department wants greater diversity.

Cmdr. Roy Minter's comments came at a meeting Tuesday where a consultant's report reiterated the need for more minorities in the department to improve relations between police and the community.

The departure of Minter this week to become police chief in Denton likely means two white officers will be promoted to sergeant and lieutenant because they were the top scorers on promotion tests.

While Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates said the candidates who will be promoted are highly qualified, he has also pushed for the authority to choose who he promotes.

Minter said it was "absurd" that Oates didn't have the same "rule of three" option other departments give their chief to decided who is promoted from a list of three candidates.

"Having more input in the promotional process is huge," Minter said.

Minorities make up about 25 percent of Aurora's population, according to 2005 census figures. The police department is 86 percent white.

The report by Lamberth Consulting said a lack of diversity in the department is a primary reason for the strained relations between police and Aurora's minority community.

The report came out of a four-day series of forums attended by 350 people, including 140 police officers, in May.

A committee comprised of officers, citizens, and other government officials will meet Tuesday to discuss the report's recommendations, said Aurora Police Capt. Jack DaLuz.

Aurora police by race

Anglo ......543

Black ......29

Hispanic ......44

Asian ......6

Hawaiian/Pacific Islander ......1

American Indian ......6

Two or more races ......4

Total ......633

Source: Aurora Police Department