Aurora's Juneteenth 2020 response to calls for change

As for most of the country, this past year has had a keen focus on "change" across Aurora.

For us, C.H.A.N.G.E. is an acronym for Community Helping Aurora's Necessary Growth and Empowerment.

After the murder of George Floyd and subsequent calls for racial equity and justice, we witnessed both peaceful demonstrations and protests and violent looting in Aurora.

During a public event, I apologized to everyone who had experienced unfair and unjust treatment by Aurora police or any part of the city's government. I followed that apology by saying the best form of an apology is changed behavior.

Hence, the basis for the City of Aurora's C.H.A.N.G.E Reform Initiative.

Intentionally on Juneteenth - June 19, 2020 - I unveiled a four-pronged plan and process to achieve results that would move us closer to equity and justice. The plan was developed after personally listening to those who led protests and those who participated in them. Their consistent calls for transparency, accountability and change were met with specific recommendations that became the foundation of the CHANGE Initiative.

From that, we have completed all four prongs:

• A review of the police department's Use-of-Force Policy;

• A review of the police department's Training Policy;

• The implementation of body cameras for sworn officers; and

• The establishment of a Civilian Review Board.

Through 10 Review & Recommendation Sessions, hundreds of residents met with police leadership to review both policies line by line and made recommendations for change. Again, the consistent call for body cameras and a civilian review board was underscored during these 10 meetings last summer.

Following the meetings, we hosted another round of five listening sessions where community members could share their concerns openly and honestly. I attended each of these sessions personally.

From those 15 sessions, we put plans into action, found new voices to help lead the charge, and strengthened relations across the board. A firm foundation was built, and we use that foundation to continue to build.

Body cameras are being implemented. A Civilian Review Board has been approved, and members have been appointed. New collaborations have been formed with leaders of the protests. We continue to move forward.

Indeed, we have a long way to go, but that goes without saying. Everyone has a long way to go. But we aren't afraid of change because we have C.H.A.N.G.E.

The city is formalizing its equity and inclusion initiatives that have been actively implemented for years to amplify those efforts in years to come - internally at city hall and externally throughout the community.

I've been around a long time and have seen cyclical approaches to community advocacy and engagement over the decades. Still, fortunately, this global seismic shift in equity and justice happened during my tenure as the mayor of the state's second-largest city. Consequently, we can lead from the top with systemic changes and community initiatives to improve race relations and to solidify our community as ONE AURORA.

It's palatable. It's possible. It's more than just potential. It's a reality that we are using to grow and empower others to do the same.

• Richard Irvin is mayor of Aurora.