Aurora Police News
Our blog has MOVED. Please go to: https://www.auroragov.org/residents/public_safety/police/APD_news.

News releases will also be published to our social media channels:
Twitter - @AuroraPD
Facebook - AuroraCOPD
Next Door - Aurora Police Department 

The Aurora Police News Blog was created in 2016 as a new way to share news and information from the Aurora Police Department with the community we serve. It is maintained by the staff of the Public Information Officer. 

Public Information Officer Staff:

Sergeant Faith Goodrich - Unit Supervisor
Agent Matthew Longshore - Public Information Officer
Joe Moylan - Public Information Officer
Sydney Edwards - Public Information Officer 

To reach a member of the Public Information Officer call 720.432.5095 or email [email protected]. If you are a member of the public and you have a question, general request, comment or concern, please email [email protected].

Colorado Criminal Justice Records (CCJRA) can be obtained by completing an electronic request using our new NextRequest Portal.    

Stay connected and informed by signing up for blog e-mail alerts and by following us on our social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, InstagramYouTube and Nextdoor.

The men and women of the Aurora Police Department are committed to making a Aurora a safer place everyday.

DISCLAIMER: Information is subject to change as case investigations proceed. Individuals arrested on the basis of probable cause have not been charged. All arrestees are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. 


Recent Posts
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DATE: May 21, 2019 

NATURE: RESCHEDULE 2019 Fallen Police Officer Memorial

Due to anticipated inclement weather tomorrow during this previously scheduled event, the 2019 Fallen Police Officer Memorial ceremony will now take place on Tuesday May 21st, 2019 at noon until approximately 1:30 p.m. in the Memorial Courtyard of the Aurora Municipal Center (AMC) Campus.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone, and do hope you can join us during much improved weather on Tuesday May 21st, 2019 at noon.

Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095


previously released May 8, 2019:


DATE: May 9, 2019 

CONTACT: Officer Crystal McCoy 
(303) 432-5095

NATURE: 2019 Fallen Police Officer Memorial

The Chief of Police would like to announce the Aurora Police Department’s 2019 Fallen Police Officer Memorial. We will be honoring the lives of the following Aurora Police Officers who died in the line of duty:

Patrolwoman Debra Sue Corr EOW 6/27/81

Patrolman Thomas Dietzman Jr. EOW 8/16/85

Agent Edward Hockom EOW 9/21/87

Agent Michael Del Thomas EOW 9/30/06

Police Officer Doug Byrne EOW 3/26/07

Additionally, we will be honoring the lives of all of the Colorado Fallen Officers that have died in the line of duty since May of 2017 which include: 

 Las Animas County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Matthew Troy Moreno EOW 12/12/18

 Colorado State Patrol Corporal Daniel H. Groves EOW 3/13/19

The public, law enforcement agencies and families of the fallen, as well as media are invited to attend this ceremony. The ceremony will include the Aurora Police Honor Guard, Jake Schroeder singing the National Anthem, and a Blue Rose Presentation by Brotherhood for the Fallen.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday May 9, 2019 at noon until approximately 1:30 p.m. in the Memorial Courtyard of the Aurora Municipal Center (AMC) Campus.

We ask all attendees to plan ahead for weather, parking and extended periods of time for standing as limited seating is available.

The media is asked to contact Officer Crystal McCoy at [email protected] if they are planning on attending. Interviews will be provided at the end of the ceremony.

Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095

Posted by [email protected]  On May 08, 2019 at 12:08 PM
  

PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING JOINT TASK FORCE R.A.V.E.N.

WHAT: Announcing Joint Task Force R.A.V.E.N

WHEN: Wednesday June 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Denver Police Department Crime Lab, 1371 Cherokee Street Denver, CO

WHO: Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz, Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen, US Attorney Jason Dunn, ATF SAC David Booth

CONTACT: Officer Crystal McCoy, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department (303) 739-6022

Aurora, Colorado-In partnernship with the Denver Police Department, the U.S. Attorney's Office District of Colorado, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Aurora Police Department is proud to announce the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAVEN), a joint task force comprised of local, state, and federal partners.

We will be holding a joint press conference to brief the media on Wednesday June 12, 2019 at the Denver Police Crime Lab located at 1371 Cherokee Street beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m. Aurora Chief of Police Nick Metz , Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen, US Attorney Jason Dunn, ATF Special Agent In Charge (SAC) David Booth will be the designated speakers.

The press conference will be held in a secure location inside of the Denver Crime lab so the media is asked to arrive prior to 10:00 a.m. and send an email to [email protected] to confirm your attendance.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Aurora Police Department
Media Relations Unit
(303) 739-6022
[email protected]




raven






Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 10, 2019 at 7:38 AM
  
NEW OPEN RECORDS REQUEST PROCEDURE

 

WHAT:          New Open Records Request Procedure

WHEN:          Effective August 15th, 2019

WHERE:        Aurora Police Department

WHO:           Chief of Police Nick Metz 

CONTACT:   Officer Crystal McCoy, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department

                       (303) 739-6022

Aurora, Colorado-The Aurora Police Department has added a new Open Records Request Coordinator. The coordinator will receive, track and process Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) requests for the Aurora Police Department.  Anyone, to include members of the public, who wish to receive CCJRA records should complete the CCJRA form which can be located online by clicking HERE or downloading the attached form. Then, click the “CCJRA Open Records Request” button and submit the completed form via email to  [email protected]. Please call 303.739.6267 for any additional inquiries related to the request to include status updates on the request.

 

The Open Records Request Coordinator does not receive, process or track Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests. CORA requests will continue to be received, tracked, and processed by the Aurora City Clerk’s Office. Anyone, to include members of the public, who wish to submit a CORA request should complete the CORA form which can be located online by clicking HERE or downloading the attached form. Then, click the “General Records Request Form” button and submit the completed form to [email protected].

 

Our media partners should continue to reach out to the Media Relations Unit (MRU) via email at [email protected] and 720.432.5095 for routine requests and breaking news, but recognize the MRU does not receive, track, or process CORA or CCJRA requests.  

 

We will continue to communicate all critical, in-progress incidents initially via Twitter for immediate messaging as an additional benefit to the public and our media partners. You do not need to have a Twitter account to see that newsfeed. You can follow us on Facebook, NextDoor, Instagram, and Snapchat to see information from various Aurora Police Department units.

 

We encourage our community members to engage with their neighborhood Police Area Representative (PAR) Officer. PAR officers assist their communities in combatting, preventing and solving crimes, as well as developing new strategies to resolve problems. You can learn more about your PAR officer by clicking HERE, and using the Neighborhood PAR Officer map found at the bottom of the webpage.


The media, or any member of the public, can subscribe to press releases issued by the Aurora Police Department by clicking HERE to register your email address, and frequency of such notifications.

CCJRA Request Form 08082019.pdf
CORA.pdf

 

####

 

 

 

Posted by [email protected]  On Aug 15, 2019 at 3:32 PM
  

(February 6, 2020) - On January 28, 2019, the Force Review board (FRB) convened to review the Elijah McClain critical incident in accordance with directive 3.3.7. The Force Review Board (FRB) consists of a body of sworn officers that reviews incidents involving an officer’s use of any weapon to overcome a subject’s resistance, or when a subject is injured by an officer’s application of force which requires medical treatment.  Additionally, the FRB can convene to review any incidents deemed necessary by the Aurora Police Department Executive staff.  The FRB reviews these cases for compliance with applicable state statues and department directives, as well as any training deficiencies.

Based on all the available information the FRB concluded that the officers were called to the area to investigate a suspicious person.  Officers had a lawful reason to contact Mr. McClain.  The force applied during the altercation to include the carotid control hold and the force applied during the altercation was within policy and consistent with training. 

“The loss of Mr. McClain’s life is tragic, and we continue to offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those impacted by this loss.“ -Chief Vanessa Wilson

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department

720.432.5095


Update to Elijah McClain Critical Incident Press Conference

On November 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz held a joint press conference with Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny.  The press conference began with a 911 call, and followed by body worn camera footage of the incident involving Elijah McClain that occurred on the night of August 24, 2019.

After the video Aurora Police Chief Metz and Aurora Fire Deputy Chief McInerny addressed the police and paramedic actions during the event.  They offered their heartfelt condolences for the loss of Mr. McClain, and acknowledged the impact on Mr. McClain's family, our community, and the involved officers that evening.

Body worn camera video, the APD Integration Program, a Joint Press Release from APD and AFR, an AFR press release, AFR Ketamine Protocols, the transcript of the 911 call, the Office of the Coroner, Adams and Broomfield Counties Autopsy report for Mr. McClain, APD Directive 5.08 Less Lethal Devices, Weapons and Techniques, APD Carotid Control Hold Vs. Chokehold Comparison presentation and SB 15-219 can be found among the following links:

Press Conference Packet

BWC video

November 22, 2019 Press Conference

911 Call


Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095


PRESS CONFERENCE: Update on Elijah McClain Critical Incident

WHAT: Press Conference Addressing the Elijah McClain Critical Incident

WHEN: Friday, November 22, 2019 7:00 P.M.

WHERE: Aurora Police Headquarters, 15001 East Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO

WHO: Chief of Police, Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny

CONTACT: Officer Tony Camacho, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department
(720) 432-5095

Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny will be providing updates and answering questions on the August 24th Critical Incident involving Elijah McClain.

The conference will be held in a secure location inside of Police Headquarters. The media is asked to arrive no later than 6:30 P.M. through the main lobby of Police Headquarters. Please call the on-call PIO number when you arrive and a representative of the Media Relations Unit will then escort you into the building.

Members of the media who plan on attending, please RVSP to [email protected] no later than Friday, November 22, 2019 by 6:00 P.M.

Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095


UPDATE:  We fully understand the need for transparency throughout this entire investigation and we can appreciate the seriousness of this matter. Last week, at the invitation of the Chief of Police, members of Mr. McClain’s family heard the 911 call and viewed body worn camera videos from this incident. We continue to offer our deepest condolences to Mr. McClain’s family and friends during this very difficult time.


From the beginning, Chief Metz ordered an investigation at the level consistent with officer-involved shootings pursuant to Senate Bill 15-219 by having a multi-agency team comprised of members from the Denver Police Department, Aurora Police Department and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. That investigation continues.


On August 24, 2019 at 10:32 p.m. the Aurora Police Department received a 911 call where the called described a “suspicious person”. The caller reported an adult male was walking on Billings Street near East Colfax Avenue, wearing a ski mask and flailing his arms at the caller.


Officers arrived in the area and contacted a male still wearing a ski mask, later identified as Elijah McClain. The male began to resist the officer contact, a struggle then ensued, and he was taken into custody. Aurora Fire Rescue administered a standard medication to reduce Mr. McClain’s agitation. He was then transported to a local hospital where tragically he died days later.


The Adams County Coroner’s Office report is not yet completed and is a key component to providing much needed information to this investigation. Once their report is finished, the Coroner’s Office will be the ones who release those results. It will be included in the case that is then presented to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review.


No further comment will be provided by the Aurora Police Department to protect the integrity of the investigation and review by the District Attorney’s office.


Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on 08/26/2019:

On August 24, 2019 at 10:32 p.m. the Aurora Police Department received a “suspicious person” call. The caller reported an adult male was walking on Billings Street near East Colfax Avenue, wearing a ski mask and waving his arms at the caller.

Officers arrived in the area and contacted a male wearing a ski mask. The male would not stop walking down the street from the officer. The male resisted contact, a struggle ensued, and he was taken into custody. Due to the level of physical force applied while restraining the subject and his agitated mental state, officers requested Aurora Fire Rescue (AFR) and Falck Ambulance respond to render professional medical attention.

According to AFR, consistent with their accepted protocol, a standard medication routinely utilized to reduce agitation was administered and reduced the exhibited anxiety. Several minutes later during the transport to the hospital the patient suffered a cardiac arrest and lifesaving measures were initiated. He regained a pulse and is currently being treated at a local hospital.

The Aurora PD Victim Services Unit assisted in locating the family and taking them to the hospital. They are providing support as the investigation continues.

During this event, officers were using their issued body worn cameras. Because of the critical nature of this incident, it is being investigated by the APD Major Crimes/Homicide Unit and members of the Denver Police Department to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the events of that night.

The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene that evening and will review the investigation when it is completed.

We are asking anyone with information about this case to please contact Agent M. Ingui at 303-739-6067.
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 22, 2020 at 12:27 PM
  

On September 19th, 2019, the Aurora Colorado Police Department issued a media advisory with helpful information for those who plan on attending the protest and rally event at the ICE Detention Center in Aurora on September 21, 2019. To ensure everyones safety  the following additional regulations will be in effect.

Sticks (see further below), poles, pipes, bats or similar objects will not be permitted. 

Sticks being used as supports for signs, posters, banners or flags may only be permitted under all of the following conditions:

-They are attached and remain attached to a sign, poster, banner or flag at all times.

-They are made of wood. No metal, PVC, glass, or other material allowed for sign supports.

-They are 40" or less in length.


-They are blunt on each end. No sharp supports are allowed.


Violation of these rules will be grounds to deny access or removal from the protest area, and refusal to leave will be a violation of Aurora Municipal Code (AMC) 94-71, Trespass.


Open carrying of firearms is prohibited inside the specified protest area pursuant to AMC 94-154, Colorado Revised Statute 29-11.7-104. Individuals will not be allowed into the area openly carrying firearms.

Violation of this rule will be grounds to deny access or removal from the protest area, and refusal to leave will be a violation of  AMC 94-71, Trespass.

Our number one priority is ensuring the safety of those attending the event and our officers. The Aurora Police Department respects and upholds the constitutional rights of our community including the right to express and exercise free speech.  We will continue to balance these rights with the protection of property, safety and life. We appreciate the community’s partnership in this regard, and would encourage you to watch this important video message from Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz and APD officers by clicking HERE.


Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Colorado Police Department
720-432-5095


Information previously released on September 19, 2019:

PROTEST AND RALLY EVENT

WHAT:        Protest and Rally Event
WHEN:        Saturday September 21, 2019
WHERE:      ICE Detention Facility
CONTACT: Officer Crystal McCoy, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Colorado Police Department
                    303.739.6022

AURORA, Colorado - Having a peaceful demonstration is most meaningful when everyone chooses to be respectful, law-abiding, and civil.  It’s equally important to realize everyone has a right to lawfully assemble, and Colorado law prohibits disrupting a lawful assembly.  The goal with this advisory is to provide helpful information for those planning on attending the protest or support rally at the ICE Detention Center in Aurora on September 21, 2019.

Free Speech is Important: The APD values citizens’ free speech rights.  Freedom of Speech includes a variety of expressive words, printed words, and expressive conduct. However, there are limits. For example, “Fighting Words,” or words that are inherently likely to provoke a violent reaction or a breach of the peace through retaliation, are not protected by the First Amendment.  Additionally, criminal conduct, such as theft and destruction of another’s property or physical assault of another person, is not protected by the First Amendment.  We ask for the public’s help in ensuring that the event remains a place for free speech and lawful activity.

To Get Information Day-Of: To receive incident response information, attendees can opt-in to text messages from APD during this event by sending a text to the number 474747 with APDINFO in the body of the text.  Additionally, APD will be using Twitter for similar messaging to the public and media. To receive those messages please follow us on Twitter at the @AuroraPD profile.

If You See Something, Say Something: We ask members of the public, to constantly be aware of their surroundings, and immediately report any safety concerns. You can do so by calling dispatch at 303-627-3100, or by flagging down a nearby officer, or replying to the opt-in text messaging service as mentioned above. 

At any time during the event, if there is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or flag down a nearby officer. Otherwise, the non-emergency number is 303-627-3100 for police and fire assistance.  Some police reports can be filed online at anytime by clicking HERE

No Parking:  There will not be any available parking at the event.  We strongly encourage using RTD or ride-share options if needed. Additionally, we will have the following street closures on Saturday, September 21, 2019 beginning at 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. as follows:

·         East 30th Avenue from Nome Street to Peoria Street

·         Nome Street from East 30th Avenue to East 33rd Avenue

·         Oakland Street from East 30th Avenue to East 33rd Avenue

Attendee Arrival: Anti-ICE Groups are directed to go to East 30th Avenue and Oakland Street to arrive at the designated protest area on the South side of the facility. Please see attached map.

Pro-ICE groups are asked to go to East 33rd Avenue and Oakland Street to arrive at the designated protest area on the North side of the facility. Please see attached map.

Industrial Area / No Facilities:  This is an industrial area with no public bathrooms, very little shade, no convenience stores, and no seating provided. Large crowds are expected and movement around the area may be restricted. Attendees should plan accordingly for simple first aid needs, weather, hydration, and food.

Excessive Noise: When using bullhorns and noisemakers, attendees are notified to be respectful of other attendees and refrain from creating a significant obstruction or interference to a lawful assembly. Further, these devices can be intentionally used to cause actual physical pain, or bodily injury, to attendees, which is unlawful. Due to this, officers may contact you to request you turn the volume of your bullhorn or noisemaker down to a more acceptable level.

Safety and Officer Conduct: Our officers are there to ensure the safety of those attending the event. If an officer contacts you, please remain cordial and comply with any orders the officer may have given you.  If you have concerns questions or compliments you can relay that information to www.AuroraPolice.com.
Drones: The publics use of Drones are not permitted at this event.

Accident Alert and Priority Dispatch: During this event the APD will be on accident alert and priority dispatch protocol from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. due to limited police resources. If you are involved in an accident during this time that involve any of the following:

·         Injuries

·         Hit-and-Run

·         DUI involving alcohol and/or drugs

·         One or more vehicles are not drivable

·         One driver does not have proof of insurance

Then please call 303-627-3100 for an officer to respond. All other traffic accidents should be filed online by clicking HERE or you can respond to the APD headquarters lobby located at 15001 East Alameda Parkway with all involved drivers the following day to complete the accident report.

Priority dispatch means APD will only respond to in-progress calls where life is in danger, and all other calls for service will potentially have significantly extended wait times for a response.  We understand this is frustrating, but we appreciate your patience.

Dispersal Orders: As a last resort, APD may have to give dispersal orders to the crowd and will do so in  both English and Spanish. This will only occur when there is a clear and present danger of immediate threat to safety.

Please follow all orders immediately and peacefully while evacuating the area. If a dispersal order is given, all attendees will be asked to go North on Oakland Street to East 33rd Avenue, or South on Oakland Street to East 30th Avenue continuing East to Peoria Street. You can view the evacuation map by clicking HERE.

Media: All press briefings will be announced on Twitter and conducted at East 33rd Avenue and Oakland Street. The media can use the below phone number and email address for incident response inquiries, and interview requests:

720-432-5095
[email protected]

All records requests related to this event should be sent to APD records not the Media Relations Unit. Please click HERE, complete the form, and submit the request as instructed on the form. Again, do not submit requests to the Media Relations Unit as they are not processed by that office.

Our number one priority is ensuring the safety of those attending the event and our officers. The Aurora Police Department respects and upholds the constitutional rights of our community including the right to express and exercise free speech.  We will continue to balance these rights with the protection of property, safety and life. We appreciate the community’s partnership in this regard, and would encourage you to watch this important video message from Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz and APD officers by clicking HERE.

 

                                                                                                                                                 ####
APDINFO TEXT

MAP

Posted by [email protected]  On Sep 20, 2019 at 7:01 PM
  
WHAT: Press Conference Addressing Recent Critical Incidents

WHEN: Friday, October 25, 2019 at 11:00 A.M.

WHERE: Aurora Police Headquarters, 15001 East Alameda Parkway

WHO: Deputy Chief of Police, Paul O’Keefe

CONTACT: Officer Tony Camacho, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department
                    (720) 432-5095


Aurora Police Deputy Chief Paul O'Keefe will be providing updates on the August 24th incident involving Elijah McClain, the officer-involved shooting on October 10th located at South Bahama Street, and the officer-involved shooting on October 20th located at East 14th Avenue.

The conference will be held in a secure location inside of Police Headquarters. The media is asked to arrive no later than 09:30 A.M. through the main lobby of Police Headquarters. Please call the on-call PIO number when you arrive and a representative of the Media Relations Unit will then escort you into the building.

Members of the media who plan on attending, please RVSP to [email protected] no later than Friday, October 25th at 08:00 A.M.

Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department    
720-432-5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Oct 24, 2019 at 5:11 PM
  
Update to Elijah McClain Critical Incident Press Conference

On November 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz held a joint press conference with Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny.  The press conference began with a 911 call, and followed by body worn camera footage of the incident involving Elijah McClain that occurred on the night of August 24, 2019.  

After the video Aurora Police Chief Metz and Aurora Fire Deputy Chief McInerny addressed the police and paramedic actions during the event.  They offered their heartfelt condolences for the loss of Mr. McClain, and acknowledged the impact on Mr. McClain's family, our community, and the involved officers that evening.

Body worn camera video, the APD Integration Program, a Joint Press Release from APD and AFR, an AFR press release, AFR Ketamine Protocols, the transcript of the 911 call, the Office of the Coroner, Adams and Broomfield Counties Autopsy report for Mr. McClain, APD Directive 5.08 Less Lethal Devices, Weapons and Techniques, APD Carotid Control Hold Vs. Chokehold Comparison presentation and SB 15-219 can be found among the following links:


BWC video

November 22, 2019 Press Conference 

911 Call

Press packet FINAL.PDF

Officer Crystal McCOy
Posted by [email protected]  On Nov 22, 2019 at 11:48 PM
  

Today, July 3rd, 2020, Interim Chief Vanessa Wilson announced the termination of three employees after the internal investigation determined their involvement with selfie photographs taken at the memorial site for Elijah McClain on October 20th, 2019.

Chief Wilson terminated Erica Marrero, Kyle Dittrich, and Jason Rosenblatt. Former employee, Jaron Jones, resigned on June 30th, 2020 prior to the pre-disciplinary hearing.

Chief Wilson was made aware of the allegation on Thursday, June 25th, 2020 after an uninvolved officer saw the photo and reported it to a supervisor. The involved officers were immediately placed on Administrative Leave and an Internal Affairs Investigation was initiated.

Chief Wilson understands the devastating impact this incident has had on the relationship between the community and the Department. She believes that transparency is paramount in beginning to rebuild that relationship. Therefore, Internal Affairs File 20-25 can be found by clicking HERE.

PRESS CONFERENCE
TWITTER LIVE STREAM
PRESS PACKET
PICTURE 1
PICTURE 2

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WHAT: Press Conference Reference Photo Investigation Update
WHEN: July 3rd, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora Room
WHO:  Interim Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson
CONTACT:  Detective Faith Goodrich, Public Information Officer, Media Relations Unit, 720.432.5095

This press conference will be held in the Aurora Municipal Building Aurora Room, which is a secure facility.  The media is asked to arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. and to bring your media credentials for admittance. See the parking map and use Visitor Parking Lot B. Call the on-call PIO number when you arrive and a representative of the Media Relations Unit will escort you into the building.  The event will be live-streamed on Twitter (@AuroraPD).

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, we ask that everyone wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines.  Due to these restrictions we can only allow one pool video camera, one pool still camera at this event, and only one reporter per media outlet.  Members of the media who plan on attending, please RSVP to [email protected].

Agent Faith Goodrich
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on June 29th, 2020

Please see below statement from Interim Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson:

"Thursday afternoon, I was apprised of allegations reported to Internal Affairs by an Aurora Police Officer alleging multiple Aurora Police officers were depicted in photographs near the site where Elijah McClain died. All involved officers were immediately placed on administrative leave with pay in non-enforcement capacities.  

I immediately ordered Internal Affairs to make this investigation their top priority.  This accelerated investigation was completed this evening.

This investigation will be publicly released in its entirety promptly upon its conclusion.  This will include reports, photographic evidence obtained, officer’s names, and my final determination which can rise to the level of termination."

Interim Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson



Posted by [email protected]  On Jul 08, 2020 at 4:02 PM
  

Aurora to Host Juneteenth Celebration Event
Singer-songwriter Toney Rocks among the performers


AURORA, Colo. - A Juneteenth celebration featuring live entertainment, kid's activities and community resources will be held Saturday, June 19, at Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Parkway. The event, which runs from 1 to 5 p.m., is sponsored by the Aurora Police Department, city of Aurora, Town Center at Aurora and ReACT (Responding to Aurora's Critical Topics), a volunteer group.

Aurora’s Juneteenth celebration is a family event that will include youth performances, a storyteller, local exhibitors, and musical acts, including Las Vegas singer-songwriter Toney Rocks.

The event will be located inside the shopping mall. "Town Center at Aurora is honored to partner with the City of Aurora to provide a free event in celebration of Juneteenth. We invite the community to join us as we work to create an equitable future for all based on empathy, love and respect." Joel Boyd, General Manager of Town Center at Aurora.

"Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and an opportunity to promote an inclusive community," said Claudine McDonald, Aurora Police Department's Community Relations Chief Executive. "When a community member brought the idea for this event to our ReACT group, we knew this fit right in with Chief Wilson's 'New Way' plan to elevate community voices and show our commitment to a collaborative and community-based future."

"A New Way" is Police Chief Vanessa Wilson's plan for restoring community trust.

"Planning a community event during the pandemic has been a challenge. But our desire to bring Aurora together to learn more about each other, recognize our humanity and where our lives may connect in surprising ways - this is what made us push forward with the event. We invite everyone to come learn more about history and grow together as a community," said Gerald Brewer, Chair, ReACT.

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when news of Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation reached African Americans in Texas and commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The historical significance of the event is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Aurora's diverse cultures.

For scheduled line up of events and exhibitors, please visit www.auroragov.org/Juneteenth.


Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Jun 10, 2021 at 3:03 PM
  

National 30x30 Pledge aims to improve public safety, community outcomes and trust in law enforcement


AURORA, Colo. - The Aurora Police Department (APD) has signed The 30x30 Pledge, a commitment to reach 30 percent of women in police recruit classes by 2030 and to ensure policing agencies are truly representative of the jurisdiction the agency serves. While 30x30 is focused on advancing women in policing, these principles are applicable to all demographic diversity, not just gender.

"This pledge means that the Aurora Police Department is actively working toward improving the representation and experiences of women officers in our agency,” APD Police Chief Art Acevedo said. “Currently, about 11 percent of our sworn officers are female, which is right around the national average. We are proud to be among the many agencies in the nation to make this critical commitment to growing that number over the next seven years, which will greatly benefit our department and the community we serve."

Nationwide, women make up only 12 percent of sworn officers and 3 percent of police leadership in the U.S. This underrepresentation of women in policing has significant public safety implications. Research suggests that women officers:
• Use less force and less excessive force.
• Are named in fewer complaints and lawsuits.
• Are perceived by communities as being more honest and compassionate.
• See better outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases.

The Aurora Police Department is taking several steps to reach its goal through informational academies for women to encourage greater recruitment, target recruitment towards organizations, activities and events that are supportive of women, create a realistic preview of the job, greater support through the recruitment and application process, providing resources and strategies for success in physical testing and academy process, increased appearances of women in internal and external marketing and recruiting campaigns so women can see themselves in the profession, highlighting achievements of women currently within APD, and promoting work/life balance.

The Pledge is the foundational effort of the 30x30 Initiative – a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations who have joined together to advance the representation and experiences of women in all ranks of policing across the United States.

More than 250 agencies – from major metro departments including the New York City Police Department, to mid-sized, rural, university and state policing agencies – have signed the 30x30 Pledge. The Pledge is based on social science research that greater representation of women on police forces leads to better policing outcomes for communities.

The 30x30 Initiative is affiliated with the Policing Project at NYU School of Law and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE).

"We are grateful to Aurora for committing to being a part of this growing movement" said Maureen McGough, co-founder of the 30x30 Initiative, Chief of Staff of the Policing Project at the New York University School of Law, and former policing expert at the U.S. Department of Justice. "We believe strongly that advancing women in policing is critical to improving public safety outcomes. We look forward to having more agencies follow APD’s lead by signing the pledge and improving the representation and experiences of women in policing."

For more information, visit 30x30initiative.org.

Sergeant Faith Goodrich
Public Information Office
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Feb 06, 2023 at 9:13 AM
  
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