Aurora Police Unveil Public Transparency Hub, Survey System

AURORA, IL — In an effort to increase trust and transparency with the community, Aurora police unveiled a new tool called the Transparency Hub.

Through the online resource, the public can delve into maps that showcase maps and data of police calls for service and incident reports. Crime statistics will be updated every two weeks, officials said.

Users can also learn about community engagement, crime statistics, professional standards and workforce diversity. The page includes general information about employment opportunities as well.

Some year-to-date statistics the site show include 81,191 dispatched calls for service and 10,647 police reports filed.

"APD remains committed to maintaining an open and transparent process that builds [trust] and inspires confidence in our department," officials said of the new website.

With the My90 Public Surveying system, a third-party post-contact data collection survey tool, the police department can see anonymous feedback collected from the community and officers, which provides insights to help the agency "improve trust, safety and equity."

In a statement published on the main page of the Transparency Hub, Police Chief Keith Cross said a "positive relationship between the community and its police department, fostered by trust and confidence, is essential to law enforcement."

The chief also explained police officers' duties, which allow them to "act independently and make decisions within the scope of the authority granted them based upon their training, experience, and knowledge of the law."

"In order for police officers to effectively accomplish this, they must be free to exercise their judgment and discretionary powers so they may initiate appropriate action in a lawful and impartial manner without fear of reprisal," he said.