Category: Police

Aurora Police launch Blue Envelope Program

The Aurora Police Department is proud to announce the launch of its new Blue Envelope Program, a voluntary initiative designed to improve communication and promote safer interactions between first responders and individuals with autism or other communication differences. The program provides community members with a blue envelope that can store

Kane County State’s Attorney’s office concludes review of Aurora police use of force during student walkout

Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced May 11 that her office has concluded its review of the February 9 student walkout, finding that Aurora Police officers acted within their scope of authority and did not engage in the use of excessive force. “Our office fully supports every person’s

Oswego Police distracted driving enforcement results

The Oswego Police Department issued 184 citations during April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month enforcement campaign for the following violations: •140 distracted driving violations •31 seat belt violations •7 speeding violations •4 other traffic violations •2 driver’s license violations “Distracted driving remains a serious problem and one moment of inattention can

Women in law enforcement: Aurora cops offer reflections

By Al Benson “We’re here to stay,” Lorena Hernandez said March 10. The Aurora Police Department lieutenant led a trio of female Aurora police officers who explored “Women in Law Enforcement” at APD headquarters. Celebrating Women’s History Month, the presentation highlighted the Citizen Police Academy Alumni of Aurora March membership

Kane State’s Attorney conducting review of walkout incident

The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent review in connection with concerns regarding the allegations that excessive force was used by the Aurora Police Department during the coordinated student walkouts February 9. This office has received all body-worn camera footage, reports, and related evidence from the Aurora

‘Not going out of business’: Aurora Police Dept. deputy chief

By Al Benson “Aurora’s police department is not going out of business.” Deputy Chief Steven Stemmet made the comment as guest speaker at the January 13 Citizen Police Academy Alumni of Aurora monthly membership meeting at APD headquarters. Stemmet filled in for Police chief Matt Thomas who was unable to

Oswego Citizens Police Academy Alumni Assoc. reception

The Oswego Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (OCPAAA) wrapped up 2025 with their annual recognition party at Riverside Pizza, celebrating a year of incredible community service and volunteerism. Over the past year, these dedicated volunteers contributed more than 500 hours supporting the Oswego Police Department in a variety of roles,

Oswego Citizens Police Academy registration 2026

The Oswego Police Department is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy (CPA). The CPA is a free, weekly program designed to provide Village residents and business owners with an inside look at public safety operations and community partnerships. The Academy will begin

Oswego Police Department receives 7th Accreditation Award

The Oswego Police Department is proud to announce that it has been awarded its seventh Accreditation Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®). Accredited since 2005, this year celebrates 20 years of the Oswego Police Department’s dedication to serving the community of Oswego with professionalism

Aurora Ranked Among Safest Cities in America – #33 Overall, #17 in Home & Community Safety

The City of Aurora has been named one of the safest cities in the United States, ranking #33 overall and #17 in the category of “Home & Community Safety” in WalletHub’s 2025 Safest Cities in America study. The national study compared 182 of the country’s largest cities using 41 indicators

Photo of Aurora Police Department honored by mayor of Aurora

Aurora Police Department Crisis Negotiations Team named the 2025 Negotiations Team of the Year

Mayor of Aurora, John Laesch, honors the Aurora Police Department Crisis Negotiations Team at the Tuesday, Oct. 21 City Council meeting. The team was named the 2025 Negotiations Team of the Year by the Illinois Crisis Negotiators Association. The distinguished honor is for their teamwork during a long and complex

Aurora City Council considers new downtown organization

By Jason Crane The Aurora City Council is considering a Resolution to authorize the expenditure of special service area tax funds in a total aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000. In addition, a provision of City staff member support for the purpose of organizing an independent not-for-profit organization to render

Aurora Police Department Senior Safety & Resources Unit

The Aurora Police Department has launched a new initiative to strengthen connections with the city’s senior population and protect senior residents from crimes and scams. The Senior Safety & Resources Unit, developed through the Community Oriented Policing (COP) Division, assigns specially trained officers to each patrol area to provide direct

Aurora mayor statement on protests and ICE in Aurora

By Aurora mayor John Laesch October 9, the City of Aurora was alerted to a number of ICE sightings throughout the area, inciting panic and fear among residents. This unconstitutional deployment of Federal officers resulted in multiple snatchings of community members, targeting, specifically, our City’s strong and diverse Hispanic population.