Aurora Police Use of Force Policy Guide

Aurora, Colorado residents should understand how local police use-of-force policies affect safety, accountability, and civil rights. This guide explains where to find the Aurora Police Department's official use of force policy, how incidents are reviewed, and the practical steps to report concerns or seek review. It summarizes the official sources and points to the offices that handle investigations and complaints so residents know where to submit evidence, what administrative routes exist, and how to follow up. If a specific penalty, fine amount, or deadline is not shown on the cited municipal or department pages, the guide notes that explicitly and links to the enforcing office.

Overview

The Aurora Police Department publishes policies that govern officer conduct and the use of force. These documents outline expectations for when force may be used, reporting duties, and post-incident review processes; consult the official policy for exact language and definitions. Official Aurora Police Department policy pages^[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

City or department materials on use of force generally describe review and discipline as administrative processes rather than criminal fines. Where the official Aurora pages list specific sanctions or monetary penalties, those are noted below; where a figure or time limit is not published on the cited page, this guide states "not specified on the cited page."

• Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
• Administrative discipline: the official sources discuss review and discipline but do not list standard dollar fines; common outcomes in police discipline typically include reprimand, suspension, demotion, or termination, though specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation and repeat offences: specific escalation schedules (first, repeat, continuing offences) are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders, retraining, suspension, termination, and referral for criminal prosecution when appropriate.
• Enforcer and review bodies: investigations are handled by the Aurora Police Department's professional standards/internal affairs functions and the city complaint channels; residents may file complaints via the city's complaint process.File a complaint with Aurora Police^[2]
• Appeals and review: the official pages reference administrative review paths; exact appeal deadlines and procedures are not specified on the cited pages.
• Defences and discretion: policies typically reserve officer discretion where force is objectively reasonable; specifics of lawful defences or permitting/variance processes are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The city provides a citizen complaint submission process and may publish a downloadable complaint form or online submission portal; check the complaint page for the latest form name, filing instructions, and any fees (if applicable). If no form is published, the page indicates how to submit a written complaint. Citizen complaint and submission instructions^[2]

How investigations proceed

• Initial report and evidence collection: officers and supervisors document incidents according to department procedures.
• Internal review: Professional Standards or Internal Affairs conducts review of policy compliance.
• External oversight: where available, independent oversight boards or monitors may review findings (see official pages for current oversight arrangements).
• Outcomes: findings may result in no action, corrective training, discipline, or referral for criminal prosecution.

FAQ

What is covered by a "use of force" complaint?

A complaint can cover any incident where a resident believes an officer used unnecessary or excessive physical force, including restraint techniques, taser use, or other contact; consult the official policy for the department's definitions.

How do I file a complaint in Aurora?

File via the city's police complaint web page or by submitting the citizen complaint form to the Professional Standards unit; include incident details, evidence, and contact information so investigators can follow up.

Will filing a complaint stop criminal prosecution?

Filing an administrative complaint is separate from criminal prosecution; administrative review does not by itself substitute for criminal charges, which are handled by prosecutors if applicable.

How-To

1. Gather details: record date, time, location, badge numbers, names, witness contacts, and preserve any photos or video.
2. Find the official complaint form or online portal on the Aurora Police complaint page and complete the form.
3. Submit the complaint: follow the submission instructions on the city page (online, email, mail, or in-person) and request a tracking or reference number.
4. Provide evidence: attach or offer copies of photos, video, medical records, and witness statements to investigators.
5. Monitor the investigation: note contact points and expected timelines from the Professional Standards unit; ask how to receive updates.
6. Appeal or seek review: if the outcome is unsatisfactory, ask about the administrative appeal process or external oversight options listed by the city.

Key Takeaways

• Locate and read the official Aurora Police policy pages to understand definitions and reporting duties.
• File promptly with as much evidence and witness information as possible.
• Use the city complaint process and follow up with the Professional Standards unit for status and appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

• Aurora Police Department - official page
• File a complaint - City of Aurora
• Aurora Municipal Code (Municode)

1. [1] Official Aurora Police Department policy pages
2. [2] File a complaint - City of Aurora