The following are finalized COPA Policies, as required by the Consent Decree Illinois v. Chicago, no. 17-cv-6260. We appreciate the feedback from all the public comments received. COPA will continue to post finalized policies here.
Administration
Candidates for COPA Employment - Current or Former Chicago Police Department Members
Explains how COPA reviews the backgrounds of current or former Chicago Police Department members applying for jobs. This ensures hiring decisions are fair, lawful, and aligned with COPA’s independence and integrity standards.
Clear & Column CMS
Describes how COPA staff use secure digital systems to manage investigations. These tools help ensure accurate recordkeeping and support transparency in how cases are handled.
COPA Equipment & Apparel
Outlines how employees receive, use, and return COPA-issued gear and clothing. Proper use of branded apparel and safety equipment helps identify COPA as a civilian agency and keeps staff safe in the field.
Intake & Investigations
Community Mediation Policy
Offers a voluntary, confidential way to resolve certain complaints through guided conversations. This approach helps build trust and understanding between community members and law enforcement.
Compelled Statements
Explains how COPA gathers statements from officers during investigations while respecting their legal rights. It ensures administrative and potential criminal investigations remain separate and fair.
COPA Interviews - Chicago Police Department Members
Details how COPA conducts interviews with CPD members during investigations. The process is designed to be fair, professional, and consistent with legal and union requirements.
Disciplinary & Remedial Recommendations
Describes how COPA recommends discipline or training for CPD members based on investigation findings. These recommendations aim to improve accountability and future performance.
Fact Gathering & Investigative Process
Outlines how COPA collects evidence and conducts thorough, unbiased investigations into complaints and incidents involving police conduct.
Final Summary Report
Explains how COPA presents its findings in a clear, structured report. These reports summarize the evidence, conclusions, and any recommended actions for public and internal review.
Intake
Describes how COPA receives and processes complaints from the public. The goal is to make it easy and accessible for anyone to report police misconduct.
Major Incident Responses - Officer-Involved Shooting or Officer-Involved Death
Details how COPA responds to and investigates serious incidents like police shootings or deaths. The policy ensures respectful, thorough, and transparent handling of these high-impact cases.
Quality Assurance
Explains how COPA reviews investigations to ensure they meet high standards. This helps improve the quality of investigations and build public trust.
Recommendations Regarding Department Member Duties & Powers
Describes how COPA may recommend limiting an officer’s duties or authority when necessary. These decisions are made carefully, with public safety in mind.
Sexual Misconduct Investigations
Outlines how COPA investigates sexual misconduct complaints involving CPD members. The process is trauma-informed and prioritizes the safety and dignity of victims.
Timeliness Benchmarks
Sets expectations for how quickly COPA should complete investigations. The goal is to balance speed with thoroughness and maintain public confidence.
External Affairs & Communications
Transparency Initiatives - Release of Video and Related Materials
Explains how COPA releases videos and documents related to serious incidents. This promotes transparency and helps the public stay informed about police accountability.
Legal
Affidavits, Affidavit Overrides, Exceptions to Affidavit Requirements
Describes when COPA needs sworn affidavits to investigate complaints and how exceptions are handled. This ensures investigations follow legal and contractual rules.
Civil and Criminal Complaint Review
Explains how COPA reviews lawsuits and criminal cases to identify possible police misconduct. This helps ensure no serious issues are overlooked.
Conflict of Interest and Recusal
Ensures COPA staff avoid participating in investigations where they may have a conflict of interest. This protects the fairness and credibility of investigations.
Investigative File Maintenance
Details how COPA organizes and stores investigation files. Consistent and secure recordkeeping supports transparency and accountability.