The Aurora City Council passed an emergency resolution Monday night requiring the Aurora Police Department to obtain city approval before posting on social media [1], [2].
This move establishes a layer of oversight to prevent the premature or controversial release of information, such as unverified suspect photos, that could compromise investigations or violate city policy [3], [4].
According to the resolution, the police department must now clear its social media content through the city's communications team or the city manager [1], [2]. The measure was approved by a six-four vote on May 18 [1].
Mayor Pro Tem Allison Coombs said the resolution includes a directive regarding following existing policy and workflows related to communication. She said the city is using a substitute version of the resolution to refine these requirements [5].
While the rule mandates approval for standard posts, some reports indicate the resolution includes an exception for emergency alerts, allowing the department to post immediate warnings without prior city clearance [1], [3]. Other accounts suggest all departmental posts require approval [4].
Council members said the restriction is necessary to ensure all police communications align with established city guidelines [3], [4]. By routing posts through the communications team, the city aims to maintain a consistent public image and avoid the risks associated with unvetted digital updates [3].
“The Aurora City Council passed an emergency resolution Monday night requiring the Aurora Police Department to obtain city approval before posting on social media.”
This resolution represents a shift toward centralized control of government messaging in Aurora. By stripping the police department of its autonomy over social media, the city is prioritizing risk management and policy adherence over the speed of police-led public information dissemination.
