FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2020
COPA PROVIDES UPDATE ON COMPLAINTS RELATED TO PROTEST IN GRANT PARK
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has received over 20 complaints against members of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) as a result of protests in Grant Park.
COPA began receiving protest related complaints, which can be filed by phone (312-743-COPA/2672) or email (chicagocopa.org/complaints/), Friday evening. Complaints received have included allegations of excessive force, unnecessary oleoresin capsaicin (OC) spray, denial of counsel and operational violations. COPA previously began preliminary investigative efforts once complaints were received, particularly those investigations involving the most egregious complaints of excessive force.
Preliminary investigative steps led to the review of widespread video shared via social media, body worn camera, 3rd party video, tactical response reports and other materials.
Regarding widespread video of an incident of a member of CPD striking a civilian, COPA is currently investigating.
As Chicago’s civilian police oversight agency COPA is committed to objectivity, integrity, transparency and swift action when responding to misconduct. If you have experienced, witnessed or have information of an incident involving police misconduct, you can file a complaint via our website (chicagocopa.org/complaints), mail, or by phone on our hotline voicemail at 312-743-COPA (2672).
If a person has information regarding a protest related complaint, please email copa-info@chicagocopa.org. This information can include videos and photos of incidents witnessed or seen in media reports. Please be sure to add, if known, a date, time and location of the incident and your contact information. If you have questions about a pending case, please contact our Case Liaison at 312-746-0168 or by email at COPA-PublicAffairs@ChicagoCOPA.org.
Media Contact: Ephraim M. Eaddy – Public Information Officer (PIO)
Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) – (312) 746-3609