The local investigation related to the death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man who died after police stopped him on the street in suburban Denver, will focus on first-responder training and policies as the state attorney general's probe looks at whether criminal charges are warranted, Aurora city councilors and staff said Monday.
City councilors discussed their plans during a study session, when no votes are taken, the Colorado Sentinel reported.
The city is looking at having a committee that includes experts on civil rights, criminal justice and medical assistance in police calls conduct the review.
The city had hired a Connecticut-based attorney and former police officer to examine McClain's 2019 death but that deal was canceled following criticism from some city councilors.
Gov. Jared Polis asked Attorney General Phil Weiser to investigate McClain's death on Aug. 25 and pursue criminal charges against anyone he believes should be prosecuted.
Last week, federal authorities announced they have been looking into whether to launch a civil rights investigation into McClain's death since last year. They are also now looking into whether the photos showing police reenact a chokehold used on McClain — that led to the firing of three officers Friday — also warrants an investigation.
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