Latest news with #Longshore
CBS News
6 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Aurora police use real time information center to boost officer, public safety
The Aurora Police Department has a new resource designed to enhance both officer and community safety: the Real Time Information Center. The Aurora Police Department's Real Time Information Center. CBS Housed inside police headquarters, the center leverages citywide technology like surveillance cameras, drones, license plate readers, and crime data into one centralized hub. From there, trained staff can monitor activity in real time and relay critical updates directly to officers in the field. "We want to make sure that we have officers on the ground. We also have eyes in the sky," said Agent Matthew Longshore. "Our techs can manipulate cameras, zoom in, scan areas, and provide officers with real-time details about suspects, vehicles, or activity tied to a call for service." For instance, if a stolen vehicle triggers a license plate reader, staff can quickly locate the car on nearby cameras, identify any unique features, and pass that intel to officers before they arrive on the scene. They can provide vehicle descriptions, behavior patterns, and even track suspects leaving an area. CBS Colorado's Tori Mason at the Aurora Police Department's Real Time Information Center. CBS "We want to make sure that we have knowledgeable, professional people in here who can do the job effectively. They are the first line of defense for our officers on the road. They're able to see things before the officers can see things," said Longshore. Aurora's upcoming Global Fest will be the largest event to date, and it will be supported by the Real-Time Information Center. Operators will be monitoring cameras throughout the festival grounds and the surrounding area. "We want to make sure that people attending, performing, selling things, our vendors, feel safe and supported," said Longshore. "We've increased our staffing, both seen and unseen. We're going to have our special units out there, some of them in plain clothes." While there have been no specific threats, Longshore says the department is proactively increasing security presence as a precaution. The Aurora Police Department's Real Time Information Center. CBS The department is still expanding the center's capabilities. Six stations are available inside, and staffing levels adjust depending on crime patterns and major events. Data is continuously being analyzed to determine the most effective hours of operation and deployment.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Aurora police launch new auto theft prevention program, MetroTrack
DENVER (KDVR) — More than 3,500 vehicles were stolen in Aurora last year, and while that total is down from years prior, the Aurora Police Department has a new program aimed at continuing to shrink that total. They're calling it MetroTrack, a way to both deter thieves and to find your car if it's been stolen. Shedeur Sanders passed over in second, third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft APD said even though car theft totals are down, they want to keep fighting the issue. 'We understand that those were 3,000+ people that were victimized,' said agent Matthew Longshore with APD. That's where MetroTrack comes in. You can register on APD's website to get a few things for free. 'Stickers that you put on your car, and you'll get a tracking device that you are responsible for putting in your car,' said Longshore. There are two parts to the plan, the stickers are meant to act as a deterrent for thieves looking to break in. 'They see a sticker like this on a car, they might think twice about stealing it,' said Longshore. While the tracker is meant for recovery, with it, the vehicle's real-time location is sent right to you. 'You'll pull the information up on your phone,' said Longshore. 'The police department doesn't have access to your location, this is all done through your device.' An important distinction, you'll have to provide that information to the police on your own. 'We wanted to make sure the police department wasn't playing Big Brother. We don't want to know your vehicle's location,' said Longshore. Colorado's 5th measles case of 2025 confirmed in vaccinated adult from Denver All in all, APD believes MetroTrack is the next step in keeping the number of stolen cars on the decline. The city of Denver also has a similar program that APD said it hopes its tracker will work in conjunction with. Registration can be found on APD's website, and stickers and trackers will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Aurora police offers free GPS tags to help recover stolen Colorado cars
As of March 31, Aurora police reported 596 vehicle thefts. While these crimes are decreasing, APD is taking another step to crack down on auto theft. Drivers can sign up for a free GPS tag designed to help locate and recover stolen vehicles. CBS MetroTrack provides eligible Aurora residents with GPS tracking devices, either Apple AirTags or Chipolo trackers, along with MetroTrack window decals, all at no cost. From APD's peak of 6,781 stolen vehicle reports in 2022, cases dropped to 3,545 in 2024 -- a nearly 50% decrease. "We understand the importance of protecting your car, especially from car thieves," said Agent Matthew Longshore, Public Information Officer for APD. "We're actually providing residents in our community a tracking device to put into their vehicle. If it gets stolen, they can provide that information to law enforcement so we have a better opportunity to find their car." The kits include: One GPS tracking device (AirTag or Chipolo) Two window stickers Self-installation instructions Only the vehicle owner retains access to the GPS location data. APD can only respond to tracking information if the owner voluntarily shares it. "This isn't something where you're sharing your vehicle's location with the police department," Longshore emphasized. "We don't want to play big brother. We don't want to actively track your car." APD says its new pursuit policy is helping recover more stolen cars, but they'd rather find them before it becomes a chase. "We're hoping that either we can find the car unoccupied and recover it simply and easily, or track the car down before it leads to a high-speed pursuit," Longshore said. "The end goal is to make sure we're getting people's property back and holding criminals accountable." Inspired by similar programs in Denver and Cook County, Illinois, MetroTrack leans heavily on visibility as prevention. Stickers on the window indicating you have the GPS acts as a strong deterrent to thieves. "Through our conversations with leadership in Cook County, we learned the stickers they use are a key component for preventing vehicle thefts in the first place," said Commander Mike Hanifin of the APD Community Engagement Bureau. "When thieves see a vehicle is registered and tracked by local law enforcement, they tend to move on in search of an easier target." The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority provided funding for APD to give out over 2,000 tags. Colorado, once ranked first in the nation for per capita vehicle thefts, has seen a 45% reduction in the past two years, according to CATPA. The state continues to invest heavily in anti-theft initiatives, recognizing the broader impacts of stolen vehicles. Cale Gould, Public Outreach Coordinator for CATPA, says Denver's trackers have been effective. "Programs like this are a wonderful recovery tool for law enforcement and have proven to be strong deterrents," Gould said. "Vehicles involved in these programs show a very low rate of theft at all." If your car is stolen, CATPA had a victim assistance fund. It covers expenses ranging from towing to temporary transportation and repairs. "This program looks to provide everything from basic temporary transportation if your vehicle is not yet recovered, to impound fees and cleaning services," said Gould. "It's a really comprehensive look at trying to reduce the impact of motor vehicle thefts." There are no income requirements for victims to qualify, but applicants must meet basic eligibility, including valid Colorado registration and insurance. Aurora residents can register for a GPS tag online at by submitting their vehicle's make, model, and VIN. Upon verification of valid registration and insurance, residents can pick up their MetroTrack kits starting May 5 at the Aurora Police District 1 Station. For more information on victim assistance, or theft prevention tips, visit
Bloomberg
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
Frequent Flier Ashley Longshore's Best Travel Hack? Ask the Hotel to Change Rooms
Self-taught painter Ashley Longshore is the rare artist who's built a name for herself outside the usual avenues of gallery shows, in-the-know art fairs and obscure prizes. Instead, the furiously creative pop-art entrepreneur has collaborated with fashion houses and celebrities and forged an audience for her kaleidoscopically bright, multimedia canvases on social media. Longshore has worked with Gucci, Porsche and Judith Leiber and counts Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Pink and Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds among her avid collectors. Her fourth book, Giving The Bird: Bird Stories, will be released by Rizzoli in September. Longshore commutes between a studio in Tribeca and a farm in Louisiana with her partner and three dogs—and she travels frequently for work and pleasure. So how many miles does she log in a given year? 'Millions,' she says. 'Millions.'
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tyler Junior College receives military friendly school award
TYLER, Texas (KETK) — Tyler Junior College has earned silver recognition in the large community college category for Military Friendly school ratings. UT Tyler awarded 2025-26 silver military friendly school honor This designation is bestowed to institutions that rank within the top 20% of schools in their category, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting military students. The process of achieving this recognition begins with schools making a pledge to improve their services for military students, aiming to earn higher levels of recognition over time. 'It's a privilege to connect with our military students and their families, to help them build the future they deserve,' interim executive director of TJC's academic advising, veterans/military and testing services Keren Longshore said. 'Knowing the sacrifices they have made fills us with immense respect and a heartfelt desire to serve them in return. We are honored to be a part of their story, and we are excited to see all that they will accomplish.' Silver status is a significant accomplishment as it highlights the college's efforts to support current and former service members by offering a range of resources and opportunities tailored to their unique needs. This year, over 1,800 schools were surveyed, and 830 earned recognition for going above and beyond standard expectations in supporting military students. Tyler Junior College currently serves 450 military students, offering tailored guidance and support. The college also prides itself on having faculty members who represent all five branches of the U.S. military, further strengthening its connection with the military community. 'Knowing the sacrifices these individuals have made fills us with immense respect and a strong desire to give back. We are honored to be part of their journey and look forward to seeing all they will accomplish,' Longshore added. The full list of schools awarded Military Friendly status will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can also be found on the website Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
