Aurora Looks to Fort Worth for Police Oversight Office Model

City officials seek to create independent oversight body for Aurora Police Department

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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As Aurora, Colorado continues the process of establishing a police oversight office, the police monitor from Fort Worth, Texas, a city similar in size and demographics, spoke to Aurora officials and residents about the structure and success of Fort Worth's oversight model. The Fort Worth oversight office, created in 2020 after several police-involved killings, has built a strong relationship with the police department and been effective in changing policies despite lacking direct enforcement authority.

Why it matters

The push for an independent police oversight office in Aurora comes after the 2019 death of Elijah McClain and other incidents that have raised concerns about bias and excessive force in the Aurora Police Department. Supporters argue the existing consent decree with the state attorney general's office was not enough, and recent police killings of unarmed Black men show continued patterns of racially biased policing.

The details

Aurora officials are looking to the Fort Worth oversight model, which has unfettered access to police information, takes complaints directly from the community, reviews investigations, and issues public reports. While the Fort Worth office cannot force the police department to take action, its recommendations have been consistently accepted due to the strong relationship built on trust and respect. The Aurora oversight office is still in the planning stages, with details around its structure and powers yet to be determined.

  • In 2021, Aurora entered into a consent decree with the Colorado Attorney General's Office to implement policing reforms.
  • Funding and authorization for an Aurora police oversight office were approved in 2021, but its creation was delayed to avoid overlap with the consent decree.
  • The renewed push for an oversight office is being led by two new Aurora City Council members elected in 2022.

The players

Bonycle Sokunbi

The police monitor for the Fort Worth Police Department, who spoke to Aurora officials and residents about the structure and success of Fort Worth's oversight model.

Jason Batchelor

The Aurora City Manager, who said $330,000 in funding and authorization for two staff members for an oversight office still exist.

Amy Wiles

One of the new Aurora City Council members leading the renewed push for a police oversight office.

Gianina Horton

One of the new Aurora City Council members leading the renewed push for a police oversight office.

Elijah McClain

A 23-year-old man who died in 2019 while being arrested by Aurora police, sparking investigations and a consent decree.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.