The Neighborhood Policing Unit (NPU) was created and funded by City Council in 2016, and serves as the Aurora Police Departments first ever, full time police bicycle enforcement team. The authorized strength of N.P.U. consists of five bike patrol officers and one bike patrol Sergeant. N.P.U. Officers are housed and deploy from an office located in original downtown Aurora along East Colfax Ave. Although N.P.U. is designed to be mobile and can deploy for extended periods of time to various neighborhoods throughout District 1, their primary deployment responsibility is focused on the Westerly Creek Development, Stanley Marketplace, and police patrol beats 1, 2, 4, and 5. Members of the Neighborhood Policing Unit are unique in their use of the police mountain bike as their primary mode of transportation. The mission of N.P.U. is proactive patrol and enforcement of laws and ordinances which serve to improve the quality of life and safety for citizens and businesses located within original Aurora. N.P.U. Officers also serve as the business liaison for the many shops, restaurants, and cultural entertainment venues located along East Colfax Avenue and the rapidly developing Westerly Creek Development. Because these officers are more easily accessible and approachable on a police bicycle, they also engage with our citizens in many non-enforcement related contacts and participate in community meetings and events to strengthen our bond and commitment to the community we serve.