![]() ![]() As part of the permitting process, event organizers must work with the Aurora Police Department to determine a public safety plan based on the size and scope of the event. "Unless the additional officers are secured shortly," the department's statement read, "APD cannot recommend to the City that the event can proceed as planned."Īccording to officials, the privately run event applied for a special event permit in January through the city of Aurora. ![]() Then on Tuesday, the Aurora Police Department said it was unable to meet the staffing needs for the event. Irvin said police in the city rejected the proposal. "We would like to offer, additionally, that if officers have a “soft uniform”, something like a polo shirt with patch or logo, we would absolutely accept that," the letter said. "Many members of the community feel uneasy in the presence of official law enforcement vehicles, as well as uniformed officers, due to negative experiences they themselves or someone they know have had," organizers said in a letter to police.Īs a result, Aurora Mayor and Illinois gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin said he would not participate in the city’s Pride Parade, and that the city will withdraw its float.Īurora Pride organizers had offered a compromise to police after announcing the decision to not allow officers to march while carrying weapons or wearing their uniforms, suggesting a “soft uniform” approach instead. Organizers of the parade said they had made the uniform and weapon requests because they wanted to make the parade "the most welcoming environment possible," and said that “trust between police and LGBTQ people and people of color” is extremely low. Last month, Aurora Pride Parade organizers asked that law enforcement officers "participate without service weapons (our rules forbid all weapons), out of uniform, and without the presence of any official vehicles." The ACLU called the permit issue "not constitutional" and said it planned to take its case to federal court in hopes a judge will "order Aurora to meets it obligation to its residents." Organizers appealed the decision, saying in a statement Wednesday, "Our position has been misrepresented, and we’re making every effort to keep the parade as scheduled." The Aurora Police Department earlier this week said it could not supply enough sworn officers to provide Parade security. Chicago Forecast: Mostly Cloudy, Warm With Chance for Showers, Storms
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |