CHANGE Reform Initiative

CHANGE

THE BEST APOLOGY IS CHANGED BEHAVIOR. 

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The consistent themes of recent demonstrations in Aurora – and across the globe – revolve around racial injustice, social equity, police accountability and substantive changes.  

As Aurora strives to be a cohesive and thriving place to live, work and visit, it is vital that no person, group or segment of the community feels unheard, unassured and unattached from the process. Collectively, we must work together to ensure justice and equity for all while recognizing the humanity and dignity of all. 

In June 2020, in response to the global call for justice and the local protests for equitable actions, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin publicly apologized to any Auroran who felt mistreated by any part of Aurora government, including the police department. In that apology, he reiterated that the form of an apology is changed behavior. He then announced the CHANGE Reform Initiative. CHANGE is an acronym for the (C)ommunity (H)elping (A)urora's (N)ecessary (G)rowth and (E)mpowerment. True change must come from the community working together. 

Phase I of the CHANGE Reform Initiative focused on the following FOUR KEY AREAS of policing in Aurora. While this is just the beginning and much more work will be done, the attention to these initial areas is a direct result of listening to and engaging with our community.

  1. BODY CAMERAS
  2. CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARD
  3. USE OF FORCE POLICY
  4. TRAINING POLICY

 AN AUDIT FOR BODY CAMERAS

Body cameras were the primary recommendation from the community to ensure accountability and transparency.

In 2019, the City of Aurora began discussions regarding the use of body cameras at the Aurora Police Department. Under the CHANGE Initiative, the City expedited the process of researching and budgeting for body cameras. To that end, the City released a Request for Information (RFI) on body cameras for APD to gather information on all components needed for successful deployment and operation of body cameras prior to discussing local budgetary impact and implementation. 

CHANGE Action:  In October 2020, the Aurora City Council unanimously approved $2 million plus for body cameras for the Aurora Police Department - with a pilot period of late 2020/early 2021 and full implementation in the second half of 2021.