COPA STATEMENT ON VIDEO RELEASE
COPA is committed to transparency thus it is our goal to release available video (body worn camera, PODs, 3rd party, etc.) associated with COPA investigations at the earliest point possible but not before the family has had an opportunity to review. COPA also has a duty to preserve investigative integrity and be prudent in its …
COPA EDUCATES CPS YOUTH ON THE IMPORTANCE OF POLICE OVERSIGHT
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) visited youth on Monday, July 16, 2018 at Mikva Challenge to discuss the importance of police oversight. Mikva Challenge develops youth to be empowered, informed, and active citizens who will promote a just and equitable society. The youth that participated in a full day of learning activities are …
COPA PROVIDES UPDATE TO OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING AT 2098 E. 71st Street
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) continues its investigation, canvassing the neighborhood, contacting witnesses and reviewing video of the officer involved shooting which occurred at 2098 E. 71st Street. Early reports indicate officers were on patrol and observed a man believed to be carrying a firearm. An officer discharged their firearm fatally wounding the …
COPA RESPONDS TO OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING – 3RD DISTRICT – 2098 E. 71st STREET – JULY 14, 2018
On Saturday July 14 2018 at approximately 6:25PM the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) was notified of an officer involved shooting at 2098 E. 71st Street. Based on our preliminary investigation, we have learned a law enforcement officer discharged their weapon striking an individual. A weapon was recovered. Investigators remain on scene and …
COPA Responds to Officer Involved Shooting – 11th District – 4709 W. Fulton – July 3, 2018
On Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at approximately 8:00PM the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) was notified of an officer involved shooting. Based on our initial investigation, we have learned that the officers were responding to a call of a man with a weapon. Upon arrival, officers encountered the civilian with the weapon, which lead …
COPA Responds to Officer Involved Shooting – 4th District – 7900 S. Yates – July 2, 2018
On July 2, 2018 at approximately 10:00PM the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) was notified of an officer involved shooting. Early reports indicate an officer, upon leaving a store near 7900 S. Yates, was confronted by a civilian with a weapon. The officer discharged his weapon once. The civilian, was struck in the chest and transported …
COPA Responds to Officer Involved Shooting – 4th District – 9400 S. Escanaba
COPA Responds to Officer Involved Shooting – 4th District – 9400 S. Escanaba On June 16, 2018 at 3:17AM the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) was notified of an officer involved shooting. Based on our initial investigation we have learned the officer discharged his weapon once striking the individual. The individual subsequently died at the …
COPA Educates CPS Youth On The Importance Of Police Oversight And Accountability
COPA EDUCATES CPS YOUTH ON THE IMPORTANCE OF POLICE OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) visited students on June 5, 2018 at Carver Military Academy High School who recently completed the Burge Reparation Curriculum. As a part of COPA’s community outreach effort to youth it makes presentations on the importance of police oversight and accountability.
Nearly 175 US History and Civic students in 10-12TH grade heard from members of the investigative, legal and public affairs team at COPA. The objective of the presentation focused on helping students understand: (1) The role of COPA and the importance of police oversight and accountability; (2) Understanding the concept of force as defined by CPD; (3) Improving youth positive interactions with law enforcement and COPA as an investigative agency; and (4) Discussing career paths.
“COPA is committed to engaging and educating our youth on police accountability and reducing incidents of police misconduct. I had the opportunity to attend a host of community meetings on police oversight throughout the city during my first month as chief administrator. As an agency we are committed to educating the public about our investigative practices and provide assurance of our commitment to investigating cases with integrity, timeliness and transparency,” said Chief Administrator Sydney Roberts.
In March of 2018, COPA visited Michele Clark Magnet High School on the west-side for three days and engaged 90 students. COPA plans to return to Carver Military Academy High School to teach the same expanded exercise.
To learn more about COPA visit www.chicagocopa.org
CONTACT:
Ephraim Eaddy
Ephraim.Eaddy@chicagocopa.org
312-746-3609
COPA Community Hours Returns To The Austin Neighborhood To Offer Services
COPA COMMUNITY HOURS RETURNS TO THE AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD TO OFFER SERVICES
Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), COPA Community Hours will be returning to the Austin Public Library on Wednesday, June 13th from 12-8PM. Representatives from COPA will be available to answer questions and provide an overview of the agency.
COPA Community Hours launched on May 9, 2018. This community outreach effort hosted by the Chicago Public Library is being held throughout the summer at the Austin, South Shore and South Chicago libraries on various dates. The purpose of the satellite hours and locations is to allow residents to have more accessibility to COPA. During the full day of services investigators from COPA are available to receive complaints and compliments from members of the Chicago Police Department.
“I believe that it is important for COPA to be accessible to the residents and provide as many outreach programs as the agency can offer. The community needs more accurate information about our agency and learn how to file a complaint and our goal is to meet them where they are in their community,” said Chief Administrator Sydney Roberts.
To view a full schedule of COPA Community Hours visit www.chicagocopa.org
CONTACT:
Ephraim Eaddy
Ephraim.eaddy@chicagocopa.org
312-746-3609
COPA Chief Sydney Roberts Provides Update on Police Officer Involved Shooting Near 47th and Prairie
The following is an update to COPA’s investigation into last night’s officer involved shooting near 47th and Prairie.
While on the scene COPA investigators reviewed police officer body worn camera video, interviewed several individuals and began canvassing the area for additional evidence and witnesses. It is important to note we are investigating all aspects of this shooting including what precipitated the initial law enforcement engagement with the civilian. Preliminary evidence shows there were 3 shots discharged from the officer’s firearm and a weapon was recovered on the scene. We will continue to gather additional forensic, medical and video evidence from all available sources. We will release video evidence on our website within 60 days in accordance with our transparency policy and all applicable laws.
We are in the early stages of this investigation; more interviews and other investigative steps are necessary before a conclusion can be reached. COPA is committed to conducting a full, thorough and objective investigation and we seek the community’s cooperation and patience to allow us to be guided by our principles of integrity, timeliness, independence, and transparency.