aurora police department
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Aurora creates police oversight office in final vote
The Aurora City Council voted unanimously Monday to create a police oversight office as the city’s consent decree comes to an end. Without discussion, council members approved a final ordinance creating the Office of Public Safety Accountability, prompting city officials to begin the hiring process. The office will serve as an “independent function reporting administratively…
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Aurora communication policy changes raise concerns for public safety, press freedom
Proponents argue arestees have a right to privacy until adjudicated An Aurora City Council decision to alter social media policies for the police department has raised concerns from press freedom and public safety advocates, who worry that limiting what police can release to the public will impact safety and limit media professionals’ ability to access…
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Aurora City Council votes to create police social media policy to bar ‘editorializing’
The Aurora City Council voted to alter social media policies for the Aurora Police Department on Monday night to bar department officials from posting mug shots and suspect names until a suspect is convicted or pleads guilty. The resolution, which passed with four “no” votes, directs the city manager to develop a social media policy…
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Aurora police, DEA tout partnership to crack down on illegal drugs, reduce overdose deaths
In the year since the Aurora Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration partnered to crack down on drug trafficking in Aurora, the amount of seized fentanyl and other deadly drugs has spiked in the city, according to authorities. In a joint news conference between the APD and the DEA on Monday, officials touted…
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Aurora police chief creates team to improve communication between police, residents
In the midst of Aurora officials’ efforts to create a police oversight office, the department’s chief announced Thursday the creation of a community response team intended to improve communication between residents and police. Aurora Police Department officials lauded the formation of the Chief’s Community Response Team in a news release Thursday, saying the team will…
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New Aurora councilmembers to host meetings about creating civilian oversight of police
Two of Aurora’s new councilmembers plan to hold listening sessions with community members to talk about establishing an independent civilian oversight committee for Aurora police. Gianina Horton and Amy Wiles, who were both elected to the Aurora City Council in November, are hosting sessions on Tuesday and Jan. 29 at the Aurora Center for Active…
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Aurora seeks applicants for police, fire oversight commission
Aurora is seeking applicants to sit on the Civil Service Commission, which sets standards and makes decisions about Aurora police officers and firefighters. The commission currently has one opening for a term that would begin on Feb. 15 and end on Feb. 14, 2029, according to a city news release. Commissioners serve three-year terms with…
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Aurora’s consent decree monitor reviews fatal pursuit crash, notes ‘inherent risk’ of police chases
Two people died in a crash that resulted from an Aurora police pursuit last week, which the city’s decree monitor is reviewing. The monitor said the incident underscores the “inherent risks” of pursuits. Meanwhile, the city police department said it has no plans of changing its pursuit policy, arguing the tragedy resulting from the crash…
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Aurora opens real-time information center to help solve crime quickly
The Aurora Police Department fully opened its new Real Time Information Center this week, which helps officials respond more efficiently to emergencies and solve crime more quickly. The system centralizes new and existing technology and allows officials to access key data instantly, according to police. The center brings together technology, like facial recognition, drone operations…
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Aurora police impound 1,500 cars under ‘3 strike’ rule, auction some off
Aurora has impounded more than 1,500 vehicles from owners who violated the “three strikes” rule — failure to provide valid license, registration and insurance — since the law passed last November, according police data. The law, which went into effect in November 2024, allows police to immediately seize cars from owners who can’t provide those…