AURORA, Colo. – The Aurora Police Department has implemented a revised pursuit policy allowing officers to pursue suspects believed to be driving under the influence or in a stolen vehicle, Denver 7 reported.
Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said the change, which took effect March 5, is aimed at reducing crime and improving public safety, according to the report. Since 2019, more than 27,000 vehicles have been stolen in Aurora, impacting residents’ daily lives, he said.
“When I looked at those numbers … I think you can see that a stolen car impacts much more than just property,” Chamberlain told Denver7. “It impacts people’s lives. It impacts their livelihood. It impacts their safety.”
The decision to modify the policy followed a review of best practices nationwide, legal counsel input and discussions within department leadership, according to the report. Chamberlain hopes the new policy will also help curb carjackings and related crimes.
“I hope it changes the violent crime that goes with it. I hope it changes the connected crime that happens when someone steals a car and then they say, ‘Hey, let’s go out and victimize somebody else. Let’s go rob somebody else. Let’s go steal somebody’s house,’” he said. “I hope it changes all those things.”
The updated policy is now in effect, and officials will monitor its impact on crime and community safety, according to the report.
