AURORA, Colo. —The Aurora Police Department stated interest in joining its ranks has grown significantly, helping to fill critical vacancies and boost public safety, CBS News Colordo reported.
Aurora Police recently hired 50 new officers from its latest academy class, selected from a pool of more than 650 applicants, according to the report.
“These last few academies have been the biggest we’ve had in years,” Captain Justin Shipley told CBS. “That’s a good problem to have. When we have that many people, we can be very selective.”
Many of the newly hired officers are already contributing in the field. On April 3, graduates from the 2024-1B recruit class responded to two overnight burglary calls just minutes apart, according to the report.
Captain Shipley said the larger recruiting classes have allowed the department to better staff patrols, leading to shorter response times and improved community service.
“When you’re a newer officer, you usually get stuck on weekend night shifts, and that was the case here,” Shipley said. “But now we’re able to staff patrol more, so our response times are down. Officers can spend more time on calls because there’s not such a call load.”
He added that the visible presence and quick response to property crimes, such as burglaries, can go a long way in reassuring residents and business owners.
The department credits the new recruits for bringing energy and eagerness to learn, according to the report.
“There’s a lot to being a police officer — more than what you see on TV,” Shipley said. “But they absorb it all, and they’re excited to get out here.”
As part of its ongoing recruitment efforts, the Aurora Police Department has been actively promoting the benefits of joining the force through its dedicated website, JoinAuroraPD.com. The campaign highlights not only the professional opportunities available within the department but also emphasizes the lifestyle Aurora offers — such as access to year-round outdoor recreation and the city’s rich cultural diversity. The site showcases testimonials, outlines the hiring process and provides insights into the department’s values and community engagement priorities.
