(Feb 26, 2026) – The Aurora Police Department and Chief Todd Chamberlain announced Thursday the formation of the Chief’s Community Response Team, a body of community members from diverse backgrounds, histories and experiences that together will help usher in a better unified communication pipeline between the police department and the public it serves.
The inaugural team is comprised of residents, faith leaders, business owners, advocates and other local stakeholders who come from various backgrounds and life experiences to ensure the team is inclusive of Aurora’s diverse communities. Team members are impactful Aurora residents who serve as a critical link between law enforcement and the community. Members will share community perspectives, provide feedback and engage in open dialogue with Aurora police leadership on policing practices, public safety priorities and community concerns.
“We are intentionally evolving how we connect with those we serve,” said Aurora police Chief Todd Chamberlain. “The Community Response Team will help ensure we meet our community where they are by fostering meaningful, candid conversations about challenging incidents and hard topics, and engaging in productive dialogue to take purposeful steps forward.
“Our goal is simple: to strengthen our understanding of the community while ensuring residents are informed about the operations, training and personnel dedicated to serving and protecting them.”
The Chief’s Community Response Team meets bimonthly with Aurora police leadership to discuss community priorities, department initiatives and topics impacting public safety. When appropriate, the group also receives timely information following critical incidents to support transparency and informed community dialogue. The team’s first official meeting takes place today, Thursday, Feb. 26.
“It was important for me to join the Chief’s Community Response Team because it allows members to better understand the facts of incidents,” said Salvation Army Aurora Corps Lt. Carl Esquivel. “At times, community conversations can include misinformation, and CCRT provides an opportunity to vet information and engage in honest, informed dialogue with APD about incident responses and policy.”
Through education, relationship-building and candid conversation, the Community Response Team supports the chief’s commitment to meaningful community engagement by fostering mutual understanding, identifying opportunities for improvement and strengthening partnerships that enhance safety and trust across Aurora.
The Chief’s Community Response Team was selected in January after the Chief’s Office solicited interest from community leaders through the department’s Community Relations Section. The team will publish a summary public report at the conclusion of its first year.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095