LaKenya White, Interim Chief Administrator

A proud Chicago native, LaKenya White brings more than 25 years of dedicated experience in investigative work and police oversight. She began her career in 2000 as an Intake Aide with the Office of Professional Standards (OPS) and, in 2007, transitioned to the newly established Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA). There, she served as an Investigator and later as a Shooting Specialist, focusing on officer-involved shootings and other complex, high-profile matters.

Following the establishment of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) in 2017, LaKenya was appointed Major Case Specialist, where she led responses to critical and traumatic incidents and continued her work on complex, high-profile investigations. Throughout her career, she has taken pride in public service, including advocating for her colleagues. As a union representative for AFSCME Local 654, she championed fair labor practices and upheld employee rights.

Promoted to Supervising Investigator in 2021, LaKenya led a team of investigators with a focus on conducting thorough, impartial investigations while fostering a collaborative work environment grounded in trauma-informed supervision. In 2023, she was appointed Director of Investigations for Intake, overseeing the Intake Unit and all incoming complaints, including jurisdictional review and case assessment. LaKenya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Chicago State University and an MBA with a concentration in Fraudulent Investigations from St. Xavier University. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to justice, accountability, and public trust.

LaKenya was named the Interim Chief Administrator for COPA in March 2025. On January 29, 2026, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability nominated her to the permanent position.