City manager and police chief lay out five-point plan to guide change and reform
(October 20, 2020)– Aurora City Manager Jim Twombly and Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson on Monday presented to City Council their plan of action for restoring trust in the Aurora Police Department, titled “A New Way.”
The plan has five points that specifically address reforms and changes to organization, policies and practices, both in response to recent high-profile incidents that have raised community concern, and to implement the priorities of Chief Wilson, who was named chief in August. The points are: A New Way of Operating, A New Way of Leadership, A New Way of Service, A New Level of Accountability, and A New Way of Engagement.
“We are committed to not only a more diverse police department that is reflective of the people of Aurora, but also a more racially equitable, bias-free and culturally competent agency that is responsive to the residents we serve,” Chief Wilson said. “I have heard the concerns of the community and have already made a number of decisive steps to change the way we operate. Restoring the trust of the community is rightfully the No. 1 priority for me and the Aurora Police Department, and I am confident in the support of our dedicated officers in moving these initiatives forward.”
There remain several ongoing internal and external reviews and investigations into the operations of the Aurora Police Department, including a city-commissioned comprehensive independent review of the department by 21CP Solutions, a global firm of national experts in the areas of civil rights and public safety. Every aspect of this review will inform and influence changes that are made in the Aurora Police Department and be incorporated as part of “A New Way.”
“A New Way builds on the direction and foundation set by the Mayor and City Council and the Public Safety, Courts and Civil Service Policy Committee, and we thank them for their leadership and attention to this crucial role the city plays in serving Aurorans,” City Manager Twombly said. “We recognize there have been problems in the past, areas that will need to change, and the paramount importance of the work ahead of us. The continued pursuit of a safe community for all requires the cooperative and engaged involvement of residents, and we must work tirelessly to ensure a thoughtful approach from our many professional officers, and from our community.”
Elements of the “A New Way” plan remain under development and will continue to evolve, but some of the key components include:
A New Way of Operating
Comprehensive, external review of the Aurora Police Department by national experts in the areas of civil rights and public safety is underway, which will inform and influence changes in the department, such as practices regarding use of force, and recruiting, hiring and retention
A New Way of Leadership
Commitment to community-focused and community-oriented policing.
Refocused department mission and vision.
More diverse leadership team.
Civilian (non-sworn officer) additions to the chief’s leadership circle.
A New Way of Service
Training will include voices of the community, with panels of residents sharing their fears and hopes and past interactions with police.
Implicit and unconscious bias and cultural competency training.
Incident reviews to reinforce good policing and address areas for change.
A New Level of Accountability
Expanded roles for Force Review Board and Independent Review Board.
Community voices on Chief’s Review Board and key vendor contracts.
Learning from and adopting recommendations of ongoing reviews.
Increased transparency in Internal Affairs reports and body worn camera videos.
A New Way of Engagement
Community Police Task Force review of potential oversight on critical incidents.
Changes to Civil Service role in hiring and discipline in pursuit of a department that better mirrors the demographics of our diverse city.
Increased mentoring opportunities with community leaders.
Further information about “A New Way” is available at AuroraGov.org/ANewWay, including an opportunity for residents to provide feedback on the plan. Because the plan will continue to evolve as the results of different reviews and investigations come in, the plan details will be updated on the site to allow the community to see the progress of different plan elements and additions.
City of Aurora Communications Department & Aurora Police Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
This afternoon Chief Wilson terminated the employment of Officer Javen Harper.
On October 17th, 2019, a supervisor smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Officer Harper’s breath. Following department protocols at the time, a preliminary breathalyzer was administered which found that his breath alcohol content was .059. The breath test was followed up by a blood draw which showed that his blood alcohol content at the time of the draw was .035.
After the completion of the Internal Affairs Bureau investigation the case was reviewed by a discipline review board and the Independent Review Board (IRB). Officer Harper was sustained for violating three department directives. After reviewing all the facts and circumstances regarding this case Chief Wilson made the decision to terminate his employment.
Officer Harper joined the Aurora Police Department in 2002 and was assigned to the Traffic Section. During the time of this incident he was on restricted duty and not armed.
“Since my appointment as Interim Chief, and now as the newly appointed Chief of Police, I have pledged to hold my officers accountable for their actions,” said Chief Wilson. “Being transparent regarding issues of officer misconduct is paramount for rebuilding trust and legitimacy with our community.”
IA Investigation Summary Report
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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