COPA had a great time engaging the residents of Chicago in the community during the week of 04.13.26. This week our Public Affairs team was in the Austin, Greater Grand Crossing, and Humboldt Park communities.
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
Leaders Network Community Monthly Meeting – April 14, 2026
COPA Chief Administrator LaKenya White spoke the Leaders Network Community Monthly Meeting held in the Austin community that is comprised of faith and community leaders that work together to organize, strategize, and mobilize to improve the quality of life for the west side communities. Chief Administrator White was able to give updates on our Community Mediation Program and invite attendees to apply and join our Community Advisory Committee. COPA attends these meetings to give out information on how to file complaints or compliments towards CPD.
Cook County Public Defender’s Office Justice in Action: Reentry & Police Accountability Resource Fair – April 14, 2026
COPA Acting Deputy Chief Administrator Shannon Hayes presented at the Cook County Defenders Office Justice in Action: Reentry & Police Accountability Resource Fair. Acting Deputy Chief Administrator Hayes gave an overview of COPA and our jurisdiction to members of the community. The fair also included several local community organizations with information on local programming. COPA was also able to set up a resource table and give out information about our role in police accountability.
Obama Foundation: My Brothers Keeper Quarterly Meeting – April 16, 2026
COPA had a great time at the Obama Foundation My Brother’s Keeper Quarterly meeting in the Greater Grand Crossing community. The meeting included a resource fair with several community organizations and several presentations from my My Brother’s Keepers work. COPA was able to set up a resource table and give out information on how to file complaints and compliments for CPD.
Career Day at Visitation Catholic School – April 17, 2026
COPA Chief Administrator LaKenya White spent an afternoon at the Visitation Catholic School Career Day. The career day allowed students to explore various future career opportunities and paths. Chief White was able to connect with several young minds and share insight in our work while encouraging their educational growth.
Humboldt Park Earth Day – April 18, 2026
COPA co-sponsored the annual Earth Day Humboldt Park Clean Up & Celebration that was celebrating over 40 years. This cleanup & celebration brought community together to clean up trash, mulch, and take on several gardening projects in the park. After the cleanup there was entertainment, a resource fair connecting community to services, and a warm meal. COPA was able to set up a resource table and give out information on how to file complaints and compliments towards
