COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS WEEK OF 7.08.24
COPA had a great time engaging the residents of Chicago in the community during the week of 7.8.24. 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 Meeting – July 9, 2024
COPA attended this meeting 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.
Train the Trainer: Juvenile Expungement Workshop & Resource Event– July 10, 2024
COPA attended the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Train the Trainer: Juvenile Expungement Workshop & Resource Event at Malcolm X College. This event included an introduction to juvenile expungement, a review of legal framework, along with a question & answer session, followed by a resource fair. Several community organizations were on-site connecting participants to resources. COPA was giving out information about our role in police accountability.
My Chi My Future “Youth Tech Coordinator” One Summer Chicago Visit to COPA– July 10, 2024
COPA hosted a group of young people from One Summer Chicago at our COPA offices in West Town. Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten and First Deputy Chief Administrator Ephraim Eaddy gave a presentation on COPA, police oversight history, our agency jurisdiction, and the investigative process. The group toured our offices and learned from staff members about their roles at COPA while asking questions about their career choices. There was also a career panel with staff from several departments that were able to talk to young people and answer questions about their career trajectories.
COPA Chicago Training – Youth Advocate Support Services at Alternatives – July 12, 2024
COPA hosted a virtual training about COPA with the Youth Advocate Support Services (YASS) staff from Alternatives. First Deputy Chief Administrator Ephraim Eaddy presented on police oversight history, our agency & our jurisdiction, the investigative process, filing complaints & compliments towards CPD, and gave an overview of unlawful search & seizure. YASS staff was able to ask questions and obtain information to pass along to the young people they support through their programming.
Take Back the Block – Mayor’s Office – July 12, 2024
COPA’s participated with Mayor Brandon Johnson and several other City of Chicago departments & agencies in his Take Back the Block event on the Near West Side. The event included several speakers that were faith leaders and community activists that gave a call to action to end violence in the community. The city departments & agencies onsite supported resident requests and connected them to services. COPA was giving out information about our role in police accountability and how to file compliments & complaints towards CPD.
Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council Community Event – July 12, 2024
COPA had a great time at the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council Community Event. COPA was able to set up a resource table to share with residents in this area our agency mission and help them understand the importance of police oversight. The event was filled with food, children’s activities, and several community organizations offering resources. Our very own COPA Community Engagement Interns were able to coordinate a series of cornhole games with children and adults to join in the festivities.
