Although Aurora it is relatively close to Chicago, the crime rate here is much lower than the larger city. The overall crime rate of 179.3 is much lower than the national average rate of 301.1. This is most likely because the violent crime rate, which is heavily weighted in the overall crime rate statistics, is only 165.6, as compared to the national average of 214.
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The Aurora Police Department employs 289 sworn officers that serve the community and help keep the city’s crime rates well below the national averages. Those officers are subdivided into different sections, including the Investigative Services Bureau. Detectives serving with the Aurora Police Department serve this investigations unit under the leadership of Commander Kristen Ziman.
Steps to Becoming a Detective with the Aurora Policed Department
In order to become a detective with the Aurora Police Department, applicants must first be accepted and employed as a uniformed patrol officer, before then being promoted to the rank of detective. Detectives work in the Investigative Services Bureau, Investigations Division.
Candidates may apply for a transfer to the Division after serving first as a regular uniformed patrol officer for a probationary period.
Educational Requirements:
To be eligible for hire as a police officer with the Aurora Police Department, one of the following educational standards must be met:
- A high school diploma with a 2.5 out of 4.0 grade point average, or an equivalent GPA on a scale with a maximum grade point average that is not 4.0
OR
- A G.E.D certificate with a composite score no lower than 2480
OR
- At least 16 completed hours of college credit with a GPA of at least 2.5 out of 4.0, or an equivalent GPA on a scale with a maximum grade point average that is not 4.0
- Fulfilling this requirement negates both a substandard high school GPA and G.E.D composite score. For example, if an applicant had a 2.0 GPA in high school, but has successfully completed at least 16 hours of college credit with a GPA higher than 2.5, they would fulfill the educational requirement for application
While a college education is not a requirement, the Aurora Police Department does incentivize earning a college degree. Those applicants who have a Bachelor’s Degree will have 5 preference points added to their overall score. Applicants who have an Associate Degree, 60 semester hours, or 90 quarter hours will receive 2 preference points that will be added to their overall score.
Other Requirements:
There are many other requirements for becoming a detective with the Aurora Police Department, which include:
- All applicants must pass a written aptitude exam
- 20/20 vision, or vision that is correctable to 20/20
- Passing a thorough background check
- Applicants must posses a valid driver’s license at the time of the test
- Applicants must be between 20 and 35 years old at the time of the written examination, but they must also be between 21 and 36 at the time of actual appointment
- Potential officers must be a citizen of the United States, but they do not necessarily need to live in Aurora
- The ability to pass a physical fitness test that measures strength, flexibility, aerobic capacity, and cardiovascular endurance
- The Aurora Police Department recommends this guide for those wondering what to expect during the physical fitness test
If all criteria are met, candidates will be compiled into an eligibility list that will remain active for one year after posting.
Improving Job Prospects Through Preference Points
Candidates applying for a job with the Aurora Police Department can earn preference points that will increase their overall score and standing on the eligibility list by fulfilling these criteria:
- Be a resident of Aurora – 5 points
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree – 5 Points
- Hold an Associate Degree, complete 60 semester hours, or 90 quarter hours at a college or university – 2 points
- Active duty military service for more than 180 days – 5 points
These preference points cannot exceed a total of 10.