Civilian Office of Police Accountability Oversight (COPA)
In addition to overseeing the Chicago Police Department and the Police Board, the Commission also oversees COPA, an independent agency responsible for investigating complaints of police misconduct.
The Commission’s responsibilities include appointing the Chief Administrator of COPA, setting goals and reviewing performance each year, and reviewing new COPA policies.
What is COPA?
COPA is an independent agency within the municipal government of the City of Chicago.
COPA is responsible for investigating all complaints of misconduct by members of the Chicago Police Department. Based on the findings from the investigation, COPA can make disciplinary recommendations for the misconduct.
COPA is staffed by civilian investigators and headed by a civilian Chief Administrator who is appointed to a four-year term.
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The Commission's Powers and Responsibilities over COPA
Appointment of the Chief
Whenever there is a vacancy in the position, voting to appoint a new COPA Chief Administrator, subject to approval from City Council.
Removal of the Chief
Voting to remove the COPA Chief Administrator for just cause, subject to approval from City Council.
Setting Annual Goals
Setting annual goals for the COPA Chief Administrator in January of every year.
Reviewing Annual Performance
Reviewing the COPA Chief Administrator’s performance each year.
Policymaking
Drafting, amending, and reviewing COPA policies and holding votes to approve proposed policies at COPA.
Requesting Information and Holding Public Hearings
Requesting that the COPA Chief Administrator attends a public meeting of the Commission to provide information and answer questions.
Selection of the COPA Chief Administrator
Under Chicago law, the Commission is responsible for selecting the person who will serve a four-year term as the Chief Administrator of COPA. Whenever a vacancy occurs in the position of the Chief Administrator, the Commission will publish information on how to apply to be the next Chief. The current Chief Administrator is Andrea Kersten, whose term will conclude in 2025.
The Commission must make its selection based on strong community input and engagement with critical stakeholders.
To review the Commission’s detailed selection procedures, click here.
The Commission wants to hear from you about what to look for in a COPA Chief Administrator. Even when there is no vacancy, it’s important to collect public input on what Chicagoans need in the head of its civilian agency for investigating police misconduct. Click below to fill out a brief anonymous survey! Please only submit once.
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Anonymous Survey for Members of the Chicago Police Department |
The Commission holds regular annual listening sessions with COPA employees and members of the Chicago Police Department about what to look for in a COPA Chief. The Commission also seeks regular public comment and meets with subject matter experts. As the Commission collects information, it will share summaries of what it learns below. Stay tuned!
Yearly Goals and Evaluations of the COPA Chief Administrator
Each year, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is required by law to establish goals and expectations for the Chief Administrator of COPA. In addition, at the end of the year, the Commission is required to evaluate and assess the Chief Administrator’s performance in meeting these goals and expectations as part of its oversight responsibilities.
The Commissioners work closely with the Chief Administrator and COPA staff to establish these goals. In the past, the Commission has established goals for COPA which included better timeliness in closing investigations, better communications with complainants and greater transparency around COPA’s work.
Click below to review the Commission’s past goals of the COPA Chief Administrator:
If you are interested in learning more about the Commission’s oversight of COPA, or if you would like to submit comments to the Commission, please email CommunityCommissionPublicComment@cityofchicago.org.