Filing a complaint against a Chicago police officer can seem like a daunting task, but there is a system in place to help you navigate the process. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is Chicago’s independent police oversight body, established in 2016 to replace the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA).
To file a complaint with COPA, you can do so in multiple ways. You should provide as much information as possible about the incident, including dates, times, locations, and names or identifying features of the officers involved. Supporting videos or photos can also be helpful and can be emailed to copa-info@chicagocopa.org.
There is no time limit to file a complaint, except in cases of excessive force where charges must be filed within five years. COPA offers translation services for non-native English speakers upon request.
You can contact COPA by phone at 312-743-2672 or TTY 312-745-3598, and voicemails are accepted 24/7. If you prefer in-person contact, you can visit their office or file a complaint with a desk sergeant at any CPD district office.
Complaints submitted to COPA are reviewed to determine if they fall within COPA’s jurisdiction or with the CPD’s Bureau of Internal Affairs (BIA). COPA investigates various types of misconduct, while the BIA handles criminal misconduct and operational violations.
After filing a complaint, you will receive a letter clarifying which oversight body will handle the investigation. COPA will follow up with you and other witnesses if they handle the case, and a final summary report will be sent to you and any officers involved. The police superintendent will review COPA’s findings and suggestions for discipline, with the option for officers to dispute the results through an independent arbitrator or the police board.
Even if disciplinary action is not pursued, having a public record of COPA’s findings can be useful for other avenues of seeking action. The entire process can take years, but the goal is to ensure accountability and transparency in handling complaints against Chicago police officers.
