FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2021
COPA CONCLUDES INVESTIGATION INTO INCIDENT INVOLVING MS. NIKKITA BROWN AT NORTH AVENUE BEACH
CHICAGO – The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has concluded its investigation and delivered its Summary Report of Investigation (SRI) to the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) regarding an incident that occurred on North Avenue Beach (near the 1600 Block of North Lake Shore Drive) on August 28, 2021, involving Ms. Nikkita Brown.
The incident occurred when a CPD officer approached Ms. Brown requesting she leave the beach area, which was closed at the time. After words were exchanged between Ms. Brown and the officer, the officer forcibly grabbed Ms. Brown and a physical altercation ensued.
“Concluding investigations within a reasonable time-frame, without compromising the integrity of the investigation, can provide closure to a complainant, involved officer and deliver answers to the residents of the City of Chicago, civilian and sworn, especially in incidents like this that garner significant media attention,” said COPA Interim Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten. “COPA’s commitment to objective and timely investigations based on the evidence and facts of each case is and will remain a top priority. Our ability to conclude this investigation within 60 days is a testament to the significant effort of staff from various departments within our agency and the fulfillment of our mandate as an investigative body to timely and justly conduct investigations that provide answers to the broader Chicago community we serve.”
COPA will post the Summary Report of Investigation (SRI) providing full detail of its analysis, findings, and recommendations following the Superintendent’s review as mandated by ordinance (www.chicagocopa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/COPA-Ordinance.pdf) and once the officer has been served with any resulting discipline, if applicable.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ephraim Eaddy
Ephraim.eaddy@chicagocopa.org
312-771-3718