AURORA | City council approved an “emergency” amended resolution to restrict public communications from the Aurora Police Department, including social media posts, mugshots and press releases.
The measure, brought by Councilmember Alison Coombs, requires police communications to follow established city communications policies and procedures, as well as prohibit posting mugshots and suspect names on social media in most cases until the suspect pleads guilty or is convicted. It makes an exception for releasing mugshots and names in the event of a public safety emergency.
It also restricts members of the police department from commenting in their official capacities on “official social media sites, media releases, or as a representative of the City on any pending or enacted city, state, or federal legislation,” unless with prior approval…