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COPA gains authority to investigate Welcoming City Ordinance; chief confirmed and vows community advisory outreach
Summary
COPA’s jurisdiction was expanded by City Council to include the Welcoming City Ordinance, and the agency’s speaker said they were confirmed as COPA’s permanent chief; priorities include a community advisory committee with youth engagement and partnerships with schools.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) reported to the Chicago Police Board that City Council expanded COPA’s jurisdiction to include alleged violations of the Welcoming City Ordinance (WCO). The COPA speaker said they were confirmed as COPA’s permanent Chief Administrator and thanked the mayor and council.
"Accountability does not have to be adversarial," the COPA speaker said, describing priorities to build stronger community relationships, form a community advisory committee with a youth component, and develop partnerships with Chicago Public Schools and city colleges to educate young people about COPA and police oversight.
COPA said it will continue to recommend training and policy improvements to the Chicago Police Department while maintaining its independence. The speaker emphasized COPA’s role in reviewing serious incidents and supporting transparent processes.
