COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS WEEK OF 12.4.23
COPA had a great time engaging the residents of Chicago in the community during the week of 12.4.23. Our office is committed to helping residents understand how to file a complaint or compliment an officer and explain to the public our role in police oversight. Below is a brief description of our most recent community engagement efforts. If you are interested in COPA speaking to your community group or organization, please submit a request via email to COPA-PublicAffairs@chicagocopa.org
COPA in the Classroom at Epic Academy High School – 12.4.23
On Monday, December 4th COPA visited Epic Academy High School to help 10th grade students learn more about our agency. During the visit COPA staff shared with students the importance of and history of civilian oversight, our agency investigative process, explained the community engagement work that we do, and answered questions that they had about future careers in public safety.
Centro Comunitario Juan Diego Bilingual Presentation – 12.5.23
COPA visited Centro Comunitario Juan Diego to present a bilingual presentation. During the presentation we discussed what is COPA, what is police accountability, what services COPA offers, and provided an overview of our community outreach efforts. COPA also answered questions from members of the audience.
Westside Ministers Coalition Monthly Community Meeting – 12.7.23
COPA attended the Westside Ministers Coalition monthly community meeting. This organization mission is to provide services that will initiate self-help efforts to improve the Austin community of Chicago in areas of housing, public safety, reentry, clergy involvement, education, health, energy, conservation, community, youth, and economic development, to work in cooperation with other organizations sharing similar values.
Epic Academy High School Tour of COPA, Youth Presentation, and Career Panel – 12.8.23
On Friday, December 8th a group of 10th grade students from Epic Academy High School from the South Chicago community area visited COPA. During the visit students toured the agency office, attended a mock briefing for a closed COPA case, and sat in on a career panel comprised of staff from various departments. Students also presented staff with agency recommendations based on an in-depth research project they conducted on COPA. Our agency was excited to expose Epic Academy High School students to police accountability and the work that COPA does in the City of Chicago.
Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago Ohtli 2023 Ceremony – 12.8.23
COPA public affairs team attended the Ohtli Ceremony on Friday, December 8th at Harold Washington College. Each year the Mexican Government through its Embassies and Consular Network presents the Ohtli Award to distinguished members of the community or outstanding organizations that work on behalf of the Mexican community. During this year’s ceremony Harold Washington Chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago Juan Salgado was recognized at this award ceremony.