Colo. city confirms new PD chief, citing need for stability in department

By Joanna Putman
Police1

AURORA, Colo. — The Aurora City Council has confirmed a new police chief amidst public discourse concerning the selection process, CBS News reported.

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Manager Jason Batchelor praised incoming Chief Todd Chamberlain, describing him as a “seasoned professional who has a deep understanding of fair, ethical, consistent and constitutional policing.”

Multiple citizens voiced opposition during the council meeting, objecting to the lack of public input in the hiring process.

“The experts that you’re looking for are in our community. We are the experts in our community, so we should have been a part of this process. This was not done the right way,” said MiDean Shofner, CEO of The Epitome of Black Excellence and Partnership.

Batchelor explained the choice to avoid a public selection process was due to concerns that it could jeopardize candidates’ current positions and prolong the appointment of a permanent chief, according to the report.

Councilmember Françoise Bergan appealed to the community for support during the council meeting.

“We’ve had a revolving door of interim police chiefs, and we need stability in this department,” Bergan said. “You guys want accountability. You want us to have better training. This is what he’s about.”

Chamberlain will begin serving as chief on September 9, according to the report.