File a Police Complaint in Aurora, Colorado

Public Safety Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Aurora, Colorado residents can report police misconduct to the Aurora Police Department through the city complaint process. This guide explains common steps, what to expect from the department, where to find the official complaint form, and how appeals or external referrals may be handled. Use the official complaint page to start the process and to find the department contact details and any published forms or procedures.[1]

How to file a complaint

Follow these practical steps to submit a complaint about Aurora police conduct. The city publishes an official complaint page and form for submitting allegations; begin there to ensure your complaint reaches Internal Affairs or the designated review office.[1]

  1. Gather basic facts: date, time, location, officer names or badge numbers, witness names, and any photos or video.
  2. Complete the Citizen Complaint Form or use the online complaint intake on the official city page.
  3. Submit the form by the methods listed on the city page (in person, by mail, by phone, or online) and ask for a receipt or case number.
  4. Preserve evidence and contact witnesses; document follow-up contacts and any case numbers you receive.
  5. If you disagree with the outcome, ask about appeal, administrative review, or referral to an external oversight body noted by the city.
Write down names, badge numbers, witness contacts, and exact times before you submit the complaint.

Penalties & Enforcement

The official complaint page used for filing describes how to submit allegations but does not list specific monetary fines or fixed penalty amounts for police misconduct; those figures are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Enforcer: Investigations are handled through Aurora Police Department Internal Affairs or the department office designated on the complaint page; criminal allegations may be referred to prosecutors.
  • Fines: specific fine amounts or per-day monetary penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: the complaint process typically distinguishes initial intake, investigation, and supervisory review; precise escalation ranges for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the city page does not publish a fixed list of sanctions; administrative outcomes may include corrective orders, discipline, or referral for criminal or certification review (specifics not specified on the cited page).
  • Appeals and time limits: official appeal routes and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited page; follow the directions on the complaint intake materials for any deadlines.
If a separate oversight office reviews police complaints, the city complaint page will note the referral or review path.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes a Citizen Complaint Form or online intake on the official complaint page; the form name, any fee, and submission instructions are provided there if available. If no form is published on that page, the page will state submission options or list department contacts for intake.[1]

FAQ

Who investigates police complaints in Aurora?
The Aurora Police Department handles intake and internal investigations through its designated investigative unit; the official complaint page identifies the department contact and process.[1]
Can I file a complaint anonymously?
The options for anonymous reporting or confidentiality are listed on the official complaint page or form; check the intake materials for anonymity provisions.[1]
How long does an investigation take?
Investigation timelines are not specified on the cited page; timeframes can vary by case complexity and whether criminal referral is required.[1]

How-To

  1. Collect incident details, evidence, and witness contacts.
  2. Visit the official Aurora complaint page and download or complete the Citizen Complaint Form.[1]
  3. Submit the complaint by the methods shown on the form and request a case number or receipt.
  4. Keep copies of everything and follow up with the contact listed on the intake receipt for status updates.
  5. If unsatisfied, ask the department about administrative appeal options or external referrals noted on the complaint page.

Key Takeaways

  • Start at the official City of Aurora complaint page to ensure proper intake and tracking.
  • Document facts, preserve evidence, and request a receipt or case number when you file.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Aurora - Citizen Complaint intake and form