COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS WEEK OF 4.17.23
COPA had a great time engaging the residents of Chicago in the community during the week of 4.17.23. 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
Nobel Neighbors Monthly Community Meeting – 4.18.23
Each month COPA looks forward to coming together and connecting with many community stakeholders and residents at this outreach event. This month was no different, which is why we attended the meeting hosted by Nobel Neighbors, a community-based organization that focuses on improving the quality of life for residents in Chicago’s West Humboldt Park area. This month’s meeting included a presentation from the Chicago Fire Department on apartment safety.
CCPSA Community Forum on CPD Superintendent Search – 4.19.23
COPA attended the Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability (CCPSA) CPD Superintendent Search Forum, which was held at St. Sabina Church. This was the second of four community forums held as part of the search for Chicago’s next police superintendent. Attendees at the meeting were able to share their views on the qualifications and experience they want to see in Chicago’s next superintendent.
City of Chicago’s Racial Equity & Action Public Safety Justice Cohort Symposium – 4.21.23
Some of COPA staff for the last 5 months have been part of the City of Chicago’s Racial Equity and Justice Public Safety Cohort alongside the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Fire Department, and the Office of Public Safety & Administration. During this time participants of this cohort were able to discuss the root causes of racial injustice and prepare a plan to address these issues in Chicago. On Friday, April 21st COPA presented its 3-year Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP), which outlines commitments in public safety, community engagement, and workforce.
Chicago Park District Humboldt Park Annual Earth Day Clean Up & Celebration – 4.22.23
COPA is proud to be part of the Humboldt Park Earth Day Committee which organized the annual clean-up and celebration on Saturday April 22, 2023. The Service Committee at COPA along with hundreds of volunteers across the City were able to help clean up and beautify this park located on the west side of Chicago. The day began with a clean-up and concluded with lunch, live entertainment, and a celebration with a resource fair for residents.
COPA Presentation to the Newly Formed CCPSA District Council Members – 4.22.23
On Saturday, April 22, COPA Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten and First Deputy Chief Administrator Ephraim Eaddy presented before the newly elected members of the Chicago District Councils. This newly formed model for police oversight includes electing three council members for each Chicago police district to bring officers and Chicago residents together to plan, prioritize, and advance alternative effective approaches to public safety. COPA gave a comprehensive overview of its operations while discussing the role between members of the council and COPA. We look forward to continuing to engage with these groups as they work to advance the culture of policing in their communities.
