Aurora PD Awarded DOJ Grant For De-Escalation Training

AURORA, IL — The Aurora Police Department has received a nearly $80,000 Department of Justice de-escalation grant that will provide funding for officer training for methods they can use on the job while dealing with the public, officials announced on Thursday.

The department received one of just 46 grants that were awarded nationwide, the department said. The purpose of the proposed law enforcement de-escalation project for local police officials is to develop and enhance training in the following areas:

• High-risk traffic stops (de-escalation and force-on-force)
• Active shooter drills (emphasis on residential scenarios)
• Hostage rescue/barricade speed – push/hold and room clearing
• Defensive tactics/Vehicle extractions (emphasis on de-escalation)
• Use of Force
• Less lethal force options
• Scenario-based training such as the Apex virtual reality simulator
• Community policing

Officials said that the Aurora Police Department requires all 318 sworn officers to complete 48 hours of in-house mandatory training annually. In addition, all sworn officers are required to complete monthly web-based training, exams, and quizzes.

The De-escalation grant funding, which totals $79,550, will provide officers with scenario-based training and focus on emerging trends in police training.

“We are excited to have been selected by the Department of Justice for this grant,” Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross said in a news release. “The funds from this grant will provide our officers with quality training. Training that will allow us to continue our service to the citizens and enhance the quality of life in Aurora.”