Wilbert Neal, Supervising Investigator

Neal has over 24 years of experience in Police Oversight, specializing in the investigation of sensitive and high-profile cases involving excessive force, police shootings, deaths in police custody, and misconduct within the Chicago Police Department (CPD). Neal graduated from Western Illinois University in 1998 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. In June 2000, he became an Investigator I at the Office of Professional Standards (OPS), conducting thorough and impartial investigations while ensuring accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices. Neal was promoted to Investigator II in 2001 and then to Investigator III in 2007.

Neal became a Major Case Specialist (MCS) during the establishment of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA). As an MCS, he responded to Officer Involved Shootings and conducted high-profile investigations. Neal has assisted in managing crime scenes, collecting evidence, preparing detailed preliminary reports, and interviewing involved officers and key civilians in the investigations.

In 2023, Neal was promoted to Supervising Investigator, managing a team of six and guiding his investigators in conducting thorough investigations and completing in-depth interviews. Neal has been married for over 20 years and has one wonderful daughter.