(Sept. 23, 2026) – The Aurora Police Department began this month a new program designed to strengthen relationships with the local business community to proactively prevent crime before it happens.
Launched Sept. 1, the Business Shield Initiative is a project of Aurora police’s Patrol Division and is led by the department’s Police Area Representatives. Since the beginning of the month, PAR officers have connected with more than 350 business owners and managers throughout Aurora, asking them about crime and safety concerns, and how the police department can help.
“Business Shield is about building stronger relationships with our business community and making them active partners in reducing crime,” said Deputy Chief Michael Gaskill, who oversees the Aurora Police Department’s Patrol Division. “By listening to the people who work in our busiest areas every day, we can better understand their concerns, identify problems earlier and work together to make those areas safer.”
The foundation of the Business Shield Initiative is to provide business owners and managers with education and advice to make their businesses more secure for their themselves, their customers and their employees. By identifying security vulnerabilities, providing practical crime prevention resources and strengthening partnerships, the initiative is designed to reduce opportunities for criminal activity and enhance the safety of Aurora's businesses, both large and small.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a food truck, a big box store, a small business or a corporation, everyone who does business in Aurora is welcome to partner with us on this initiative,” said District 3-South Acting Capt. Marc Sears. “We want you here in Aurora and we want your business to be safe and successful.”
PAR officers began to proactively contact businesses earlier this month, averaging more than 100 businesses in each of Aurora police’s three districts. The initiative features follow-up contacts to gauge satisfaction with the program. Citywide, the program has received an 86% approval rating from business partners since the program launched about three weeks ago.
For more information about the Business Shield Initiative, including business safety tips and contact information for local Police Area Representatives, visit www.AuroraGov.org/BusinessShield.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095