COPA releases 2021 officer‑involved shooting materials; board updates on FOP appeal before Illinois Supreme Court

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) released video and related materials from an Aug. 7, 2021 officer‑involved shooting after court orders that previously prohibited release expired, COPA’s chief administrator told the Chicago Police Board on June 18.

Chief Administrator Leenya White said the materials were released pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act request and because the criminal cases are concluded and the earlier court orders are no longer in effect. She said the material includes video of a “profoundly tragic event” that resulted in the death of Officer Ella French and serious injury to Officer Carlo Yanes Jr., and urged sensitivity to victims and families when viewing released footage.

Separately, the board reported that the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has appealed to the Supreme Court of Illinois a lower‑court ruling that arbitration proceedings for the most serious police disciplinary cases must be open to the public. Board materials say both sides have filed initial briefs, with additional briefs and potential friend‑of‑the‑court filings also posted on the board website. The board expects the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments later this year or thereafter and said multiple disciplinary cases are on hold pending the court’s decision and the establishment of an arbitration process.

White asked the public to be respectful when discussing or viewing released COPA materials and said the office will continue to update the board and post materials on the police board website.