The number of people killed by Aurora police officers in 2024 has risen sharply compared to previous years, with four fatalities reported through November.
This surge follows a slight decline in fatal police shootings in 2023, which saw just two deaths.
The increase raises fresh concerns about the use of force by law enforcement in the city.
Police Killings on the Rise in 2024
Aurora police have reported four deaths this year as a result of police shootings, compared to just two in 2023.
The data highlights a disturbing trend after a reduction in fatal incidents from the previous year when seven people were killed in police shootings.
The rise in fatalities in 2024 comes despite continued efforts by the department to address the use of force.
However, the trend reflects the growing concerns from community members about the increased risk of police violence in the city.
Use of Force Incidents Climb
In 2023, Aurora police recorded 757 total use of force incidents, a significant jump from 627 in 2022.
The increase comes even as the department reported a decrease in the number of lethal use of force incidents, which dropped from 13 in 2022 to just four in 2023.
Aurora police categorize their use of force incidents into three levels: Low-Level, Intermediate, and Lethal.
The majority of incidents, over 80%, fall into the Low-Level category, which includes physical techniques like takedowns, while Intermediate and Lethal categories account for a smaller portion of total incidents.
Concerns Over Disproportionate Impact on Black Residents
Despite making up only 16.6% of Aurora's population, Black residents are disproportionately affected by the use of force, comprising 39% of those involved in these incidents.
The pattern of racial disparity in police encounters has drawn criticism from community leaders and activists.
Recent high-profile cases, such as the deaths of Kilyn Lewis and Jor'dell Richardson, have intensified public concerns about the department's treatment of Black residents.
Civil rights attorney Siddartha Rathod has warned that these incidents erode trust in law enforcement, particularly in communities of color, who feel the brunt of police violence.
