A consistent recommendation during the CHANGE (Community Helping Aurora’s Necessary Growth and Empowerment) police policy review sessions held in the recent Summer was for the City of Aurora government to hold meetings where residents can share general thoughts on policing and progress in Aurora beyond policy discussions.
In response to the requests, a weekly series of community listening sessions will be held over the next month.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 8 residents can attend the sessions held at community locations in different geographic areas of the city:
• Thursday, Oct. 8, New England Church, 406 W. Galena Boulevard.
• Thursday, Oct. 15, St. Therese Church, 271 N. Farnsworth Avenue. Will be conducted with full Spanish translations.
• Thursday, Oct. 22, Main Baptist Church, 814 E. Galena Boulevard.
• Thursday, Oct. 29, Impact Church, 4054 Fox Valley Center
• Thursday, Nov. 5, Society 57, 100 S. River Street.
Each 90-minute listening session will begin at 6 p.m. with Mayor Richard Irvin, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman and/or Deputy Chief Keith Cross and other City officials.
Due to capacity limits to accommodate social distancing, registration is required for each meeting. Residents can register at www.aurora-il.org/CHANGE.
The first phase of the CHANGE Reform Initiative has advanced with items of possible action such as body cameras, a civilian review board, executive action items and responses to recommendations gathered during the initial meetings. Presentations and updates can be viewed on the website.
—City of Aurora government