Todd Chamberlain was formerly the head of the LAPD. Credit: Denver Post

Aurora City Manager Jason Batchelor has chosen Todd Chamberlain to lead the Aurora Police Department. Pending approval by the Aurora City Council on August 26, Chamberlain will be sworn in as the new chief of police on September 9.

Batchelor praised Chamberlain as a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of ethical and constitutional policing. He highlighted Chamberlain’s executive skills, community partnerships, and ability to enhance public safety through open dialogue and data analysis.

Chamberlain’s law enforcement career began in 1984 with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), where he rose to the rank of commander, overseeing 1,800 personnel. He later served as Chief of Police for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LASPD), managing the nation’s largest independent school police force with a $70 million annual budget and a staff of over 500. During his tenure, he implemented strategic plans focusing on safekeeping, stakeholder engagement, employee well-being, and organizational reliability, reducing overtime costs by $2 million while enhancing service quality.

Chamberlain holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Union Institute and University. His career is marked by key achievements, including the development of data-driven technologies for crime measurement, officer wellness, and recruitment, as well as instituting new strategies for crime reduction, emergency management, and operational continuity.

Notably, Chamberlain was LAPD’s first homelessness coordinator, developing the Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement (HOPE) team, a model for law enforcement nationwide. He has consistently focused on building trust and collaboration within diverse communities, enhancing mental health intervention and crisis response capabilities, and establishing robust relationships with officer, supervisor, and civilian unions.

Chamberlain expressed his honor at being selected and his commitment to serving Aurora, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships, trust, and collaboration to enhance the city’s safety and well-being. His career reflects a commitment to modern, ethical, and transparent law enforcement, with a focus on community engagement and innovative policing strategies.

Pending council approval, Chamberlain will officially take on his new role on September 9.