Latest news with #MatthewLongshore
CBS News
4 days 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.
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
