Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has operated without an interim leader for three weeks following the resignation of chief administrator Andrea Kersten, who stepped down amidst growing scrutiny. Since the beginning of the year, Chicago police have shot five people, resulting in three fatalities, raising concerns about accountability in the face of rising incidents of police misconduct.
Despite assurances from COPA that operations continue, the absence of a designated head complicates the agency’s ability to manage ongoing investigations, especially as it faces over 3,200 complaints of misconduct, including more than 500 for excessive force in 2024 alone. The prolonged vacancy of leadership positions at COPA and other city departments adds to challenges facing Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has yet to appoint an interim chief amid pressing demands for prompt investigations.
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