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CHANGE Reform Initiative
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.
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.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARD
Prior to the CHANGE Reform Initiative, the Aurora Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and the Aurora Human Relations Commission addressed complaints of the conduct of APD officers. Under CHANGE, the City began the exploration process into an independent civilian review board. After researching other municipalities with similar boards, highlighting best practices and summarizing pros and cons accordingly, the Aurora City Council first approved a resolution to create a Civilian Review Board, followed by the more substantive action to create an ordinance for the Civilian Review Board and codify it as an official board of the City of Aurora.
CHANGE Action: On Tuesday, October 13, 2020, the Aurora City Council approved Resolution 20-0232: A Resolution Directing the Preparation of an Ordinance Establishing a Civilian Review Board to Review Matters Involving the Police Department
CHANGE Action: On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, the Aurora City Council approved Ordinance 20-0710: An Ordinance Creating a Civilian Review Board to Review Matters Involving the Police Department.
Learn more at www.aurora-il.org/CRB..
Download the Civilian Review Board Resolution Presentation (Sept. 22, 2020)
REVIEW POLICE USE-OF-FORCE POLICY
Mayor Richard C. Irvin accepted the national challenge to cities in America to take the pledge to review local police use of force policies. The pledge was taken by mayors across the nation, including local mayors in Illinois. This process included a diverse range of input, experiences, and stories in the review process as the City sought feedback on Aurora’s use-of-force policies.
Download APD Use of Force Policy | Download APD Use of Force Policy - Spanish
In July 2020, ten community sessions were held to review the policies with more than 200 Aurora community members in attendance. Covid gathering guidelines prohibited larger audiences.
CHANGE Action: From those sessions, 60 recommendations were made and are outlined in the 60 Day Progress report below. The APD's response to the recommendations is highlight in the 'Update on the 60 recommendations' report below.
REVIEW POLICE TRAINING POLICY
A thorough review of the training policies of the Aurora Police Department by an inclusive group of stakeholders provided an opportunity to both learn about the current training process and to give recommendations for enhancements. From initial onboarding training to regular ongoing training, the community assisted in reviewing the policies, measuring them with other best practices - particularly in the areas of implicit bias, cultural sensitivity, and community relations – and provided feedback for Aurora.
Download APD Training Policy | Download APD Training Policy - Spanish
In July 2020, ten community sessions were held to review the policies with more than 200 Aurora community members in attendance. Covid gathering guidelines prohibited larger audiences.
CHANGE Action: From those sessions, 60 recommendations were made and are outlined in the 60 Day Progress report below. The APD's response to the recommendations is highlight in the 'Update on the 60 recommendations' report below.