Aurora Police Department Consent Decree Update Meeting Scheduled for Wednesday
Aurora’s Community Advisory Council, alongside consent decree monitor IntegrAssure, will host a virtual public meeting Wednesday at 6 p.m. to discuss updates on the consent decree aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within the Aurora Police Department. Participants can join the meeting via a link on the monitor’s website or by calling (720) 388-8447 with conference ID 793 143 057#.
Residents are encouraged to engage in an open dialogue during the meeting, where they can pose questions and provide feedback concerning the ongoing implementation of the consent decree, which was initiated in response to a 2021 investigation by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. This investigation revealed troubling patterns of bias and excessive force in the police department’s operations, spurred by the tragic death of 23-year-old Elijah McClain in 2019.
The consent decree mandates significant reforms, especially regarding use of force protocols and officer-community engagement. Additionally, the fire department had previously utilized the sedative ketamine unlawfully during apprehensions but has since halted its use while committing to compliance with the decree’s stipulations should it resume.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for the Aurora Police Department, particularly following the death of Kilyn Lewis, a suspect shot and killed by police during an attempted arrest for a non-violent crime. Although the district attorney’s office decided not to charge the involved officer, calls for transparency remain strong as ongoing administrative and force reviews are in progress.
The Community Advisory Council, established in March 2022, serves as a conduit between the community and the Independent Consent Decree Monitor, ensuring resident input is considered throughout the reform process.