FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2020
COPA RECOMMENDS OFFICER BE SEPARATED FROM THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) recommends Chicago Police Officer Saharat Sampim be separated from the Chicago Police Department on multiple allegations of making false statements. The Department has concurred with COPA’s recommendation and findings.
Officer Sampim’s false statements stem from the August 2014 fatal officer involved shooting (OIS) of Mr. Roshad McIntosh. In October 2019, after re-opening the investigation, COPA released a summary report of the officer involved shooting supporting the initial investigation’s finding as within Department policy. However, after an exhaustive review of all relevant videos, forensic data, witness statements (civilian and sworn), and documentary evidence associated with the fatal shooting, COPA determined a parallel investigation into the truthfulness of Officer Sampim’s statements was warranted.
COPA investigators concluded that Officer Sampim knowingly provided false statements that could not be reasonably attributed to a mistake of perception, timing, or memory and recommended separation from the Department.
“An officer’s credibility and integrity are fundamental to the performance of their sworn duty,” said COPA Chief Administrator Sydney Roberts. “We are in a critical time in our city and truthfulness must be evident when an officer is providing statements of what is witnessed, the officer’s actions and those actions taken by fellow officers.”
The matter is now before the Chicago Police Board and the initial status hearing is scheduled for August 5, 2020.
Media Contact
Ephraim Eaddy, Public Information Officer
312-746-3609