FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2021
THE CITY OF CHICAGO BEGINS OFFICIAL SEARCH AND SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE NEXT CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR OF COPA
CHICAGO – Today, the City of Chicago announced the official national search and selection process for the next Chief Administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), the agency responsible for investigating allegations of police misconduct. Established by ordinance in October of 2016 by City Council, COPA’s mission ensures fair and timely investigations, identifies and addresses patterns of police misconduct, and recommends policy changes to improve the Chicago Police Department.
The national search for the next leader of the agency will be led by a seven-person committee made up of a cross-section of leaders, stakeholders, and residents from the city of Chicago. Candidates interested in the COPA Chief Administrator role can apply by submitting a resume, cover letter, a 2-minute video, and written response (maximum 1000 words) regarding the challenges currently facing police oversight in Chicago and their vision to address them. All materials are required and must be emailed to COPAsearch@cityofchicago.org by August 27, 2021. Instructions for uploading the video will be provided upon receipt of the other application materials. The selection committee will review all applications, conduct interviews, and submit three qualified candidates to Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, who will make the official selection of the next Chief Administrator of COPA and present the nominee to City Council for confirmation.
The Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement will host four public forums that will provide residents the opportunity to speak before members of the committee prior to the selection of the next Chief Administrator at the locations listed below from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm each night:
• August 17, 2021: Muslim Community Center – 4380 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 (North Side)
• August 18, 2021: Garfield Park Golden Dome Field House – 100 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624 (West Side)
• August 24, 2021: Kennedy King Community College – 6301 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60621 (South Side)
• August 26, 2021: Virtual Public Forum via Zoom
Members of the public can submit questions, comments, and thoughts about priorities for the position of Chief Administrator of COPA by emailing COPAsearch@cityofchicago.org if unable to attend any of the community engagement sessions.
To view the job description or obtain more information regarding the selection process, please visit www.chicagocopa.org/about-copa/careers/ for additional details.
Media Contact:
Ephraim Eaddy – Public Information Officer
Ph: 312-771-3718 / Email: Ephraim.Eaddy@ChicagoCOPA.org