Despite concerns from Colorado residents, council confirms Todd Chamberlain as Aurora's new police chief

Aurora City Council members voted Monday to confirm Todd Chamberlain than the new police chiefSeveral citizens expressed strong opposition and criticized the lack of involvement of the population in the decision-making process.

Aurora City Manager Jason Batchelor described Chamberlain as a “seasoned professional who has a deep understanding of fair, ethical, consistent and constitutional policing.”

Council members supporting Chamberlain asked the community to give him a chance.

“We've seen a constant turnover of interim police chiefs, and we need stability in this department. They want accountability. They want us to be better trained. That's what he's about,” said Councilmember Françoise Bergan.

Several residents condemned the city's decision and called on the council to vote against the appointment.

Many speakers who had come to demand justice for Kilyn Lewis expressed concerns during the meeting about the lack of community involvement in the selection process.

MiDean Shofner, CEO of The Epitome of Black Excellence and Partnership, questioned Chamberlain's acceptance of the position given the controversial process of his appointment.

“The experts you're looking for are in our community. We are the experts in our community, so we should have been part of this process,” Shofner said. “This was not done right. Back off. Do it right, and then I can assure you that you will have people ready to support your leadership, hold you accountable and celebrate when the time comes.”

City Manager Jason Batchelor explained last week that some candidates would not participate in a public process because it could jeopardize their current jobs. He said including citizen participation would have only lengthened the time without a permanent city leader.

Citizens hope Chamberlain will reach out to the community as he prepares for his new role.

“I expect us in the community to be willing to have an open conversation with him. And I expect the city leaders to understand that they have already made a misstep in this appointment and that they are already behind in terms of community commitment and trust in the community. So I expect them to understand what they have created and the deficit they have put Todd Chamberlain in,” Shofner said.

Chamberlain will be sworn into his new office on September 9.