The Aurora Police Department reported a decrease in violent crime between 2012 and 2013, from 1,485 incidences in 2012 to 1,447 in 2013, representing a decrease of 2.6 percent.
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One of the largest decreases was in the number of homicides, which decreased from 29 to 23, a decrease of 20.7 percent from 2012 to 2013. Aggravated assaults also decreased during this time, going from 797 to 710. Sexual assaults, however, increased significantly from 2012 to 2013, rising from 179 incidences in 2011 to 243 in 2013.
The Aurora Police Department, which was established in 1907, is a major Colorado police force that serves the third largest city in Colorado. The Aurora Police Department is currently one of only 10 law enforcement agencies in Colorado to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
Steps to Becoming a Detective with the Aurora Police Department
The first step to becoming a detective with the Aurora Police Department’s Special Investigations Bureau is to serve as a police officer until becoming eligible for promotion.
Joining the Police Force – The Civil Service Commission administers the basic entry selection process in Aurora, so any questions regarding testing, scheduling, and background investigations should be directed to the Commission at 303-326-8931 or at [email protected].
Upon submission of the online application, candidates are screened to ensure they meet the minimum qualification for employment. Qualified candidates then receive an invitation to complete the Ergometrics Frontline examination. Those who pass this civil service exam are then invited to proceed with the testing process, which is overseen by the Civil Service Commission. Candidates must complete a Personal History Statement, which is then used to complete a background investigation, which includes a job suitability assessment and a polygraph examination.
Individuals who pass the background investigation are then given a conditional job offer. The remainder of the employment process, which must be completed at that time, includes:
- Fitness test
- Psychological assessment
- Medical exam
- Drug screening
All new recruits must complete a 26-week police academy training program, followed by a 14-week field training program. All new recruits must maintain a 70 percent or better on all written tests, skills tests, and POST standards and exams to graduate from the Academy and become Aurora Police Department police officers.
Seeking Promotion to Detective – After a number of years of patrol duty, patrol officers with the Aurora Police Department can pursue promotions as they become available. During their time on patrol, officers may choose to pursue a degree in order to best position themselves for advancement in this profession. Just a few of the typical majors sought out by aspiring detectives include:
- Police science
- Justice administration
- Sociology
- Criminal justice
- Criminology
Applicants looking to join the Aurora Police Department with the goal of becoming a detective must first complete an online application and ensure they meet the minimum requirements for employment, which include, among others, being a United States citizen, being at least 21 years old, and possessing a valid driver’s license.
Criminal Investigations Units within the Aurora Police Department
The Aurora Police Department employs a detective unit in each of its police districts. Detective units, which are organized under the Department’s Special Investigations Bureau, are dedicated to solving felony crimes against persons and property. At times, the Department may organize a specialized unit to focus on a crime that is severe in nature or extent.
The Special Investigations Bureau is organized as follows:
- Major Investigations Section
- Major Crimes/Homicide Unit: Investigates homicides, kidnappings, officer-involved shooting, and suspicious deaths
- Economic Crimes Unit: Investigates forgeries, frauds, and identity theft cases
- Crimes Against Children Unit: Investigates child deaths, child abuse and neglect, and sexual assaults on children
- Sex Crimes Unit: Investigates sex crimes involving adults
- Victim Services Unit
- Narcotics Unit: Investigates the manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of illegal drugs, as well as prostitution, loan sharking, and racketeering