The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), which serves as the civilian oversight agency of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) is pleased to announce its inaugural COPA People’s Academy for the public, civilian and sworn.

History: In 2016, Chicago’s City Council passed an ordinance to establish COPA as the civilian oversight agency of the CPD. Under the direction of the Chief Administrator, COPA has the power and authority to conduct investigations into allegations of police misconduct within its jurisdiction. COPA’s staff, 150+ budgeted full-time positions, operates within five main departments: Investigations, Administration, Communications & External Affairs, Legal, and Policy Research & Analyses Division.

Jurisdiction: COPA investigates complaints against CPD members alleging domestic violence, improper search or seizure (4^th Amendment violations), excessive force, coercion, unlawful denial of access to counsel, sexual misconduct, or verbal abuse; firearm discharges (officer involved shootings) and other incidents that result in death or serious bodily injury.

COPA People’s Academy: A six-week condensed version of COPA’s Training Academy for the public (civilian or sworn) and organizations around the country interested in learning about Civilian Police Oversight, Investigative and Legal Concepts as well as the role of COPA’s Policy, Research and Analyses Division (PRAD). Each course will be taught by COPA subject matter experts.

• When: Begins March 21, 2023, and continues every Tuesday through April 25, 2023

• Where: Bauer Plummer Joint Public Safety Training Campus – 4433 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60651

• Virtual: A virtual option will be made available for organizations located outside of Chicago

• Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm CST

• Registration Required: Enrollment for the Inaugural COPA People’s Academy class has ended. If you are interested in participating and would like to be added to the waiting list or future opportunities, please email copapublicaffairs@chicagocopa.org