COPA uses/teaches the preponderance of evidence standard (usual for civil cases), where at least 51% of the presented evidence is needed to prove the plaintiff’s argument is true. This is lower than the beyond reasonable doubt standard.

There will be a specific class for 4th Amend. Search and Seizure Foundations, which Ephraim states is the most common type of investigation at COPA. An unreasonable search and seizure is unconstitutional.

“Although we may not be able to conclude investigations as fast as the public would want or maybe share information along the way, we can at least make sure that people understand the processes,” says Ephraim

Sign up for the People's Academy by filling out this form- chicagocopa.org/community-outr… There are two rounds of full People’s Academy training planned for 2023 and other shorter modules throughout the year.

“COPA Chicago is the first [in the country] to do something like this for civilian oversight.” Ephraim clarifies that COPA is completely separate from Citizen’s Academy, which is run through CPD @Chicago_Police

Ephraim emphasizes again - “We are independent [from CPD] and all 100 employees of COPA are not affiliated with the CPD. We are as independent as the Inspector General...We are not affiliated with the CPD at all”

Is COPA out to get the police dept? Ephraim responds, “No we are not…Law enforcement by and large are doing a phenomenal job. Let me just say that we want a healthy, well police dept…We want them to understand the things that we’ve seen as it pertains to complaints.”

“We are not out to get officers. If anything we can corroborate and exonerate their actions when they are interacting with the public. But if there are times when they step outside their training and misconduct is there, we will hold them accountable. That is our mandate.”

Board Member and senior pastor at People's Church of the Harvest Michael Eaddy @Mister_Chairman asks if this will be incorporated into CPD training, and if this training can be made available to high school students?

“Everything at COPA has a track for young people,” says Ephraim. COPA already has CPS bring students to the site for field trips. CPD are invited but not mandated to participate in People’s Academy.

The meeting segues into the one disciplinary ruling on the agenda. Board Member Max Caproni, Police Board Secretary, presents the ruling on behalf of Board Member Mareilé Cusack.

The Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten recommended that Officer Shawn Bryant be discharged for violating CPD policy on use of deadly force when Bryant shot and wounded an individual while on duty. The Superintendent disagreed with the rec and recs it be filed as unfounded.

Useful infographic on what happens in this case, pulled from chicago.gov/content/dam/ci… https://t.co/JGZJ0lWfNo

Here’s the story about the incident dating back to Mar 9, 2018. msn.com/en-us/news/cri…

Board Member Cusack ruled that the Superintendent did not meet the burden of overcoming the Chief Admin’s decision to discharge. An evidentiary hearing before the Police Board is necessary to determine if Bryant violated code of conduct, and the appropriate conduct.

Written opinion by Cusack will be posted after the meeting as mandated by municipal code.

First Deputy Super Eric Carter reports that the number of shooting victims city-wide has fallen 8% since this time in 2022 - the 12th consecutive month of double digit declines in gun violence. CPD has taken 1,370 guns off the streets since Jan 1st.

Carter announces new hire of Director of Wellness, Dr. Aaron Chatman. Official announcement here: cbsnews.com/chicago/news/c… Note that last year, eight Chicago Police Officers died by suicide.

Ephraim Eaddy presents Feb COPA Report. Follow COPA @ChicagoCOPA on twitter for notifications of when there’s an officer-involved shooting, press release, and release of new investigation information. Final summary reports, annual report etc. are publicly found on COPA website.

COPA has current job opportunities for a Senior Performance Analyst and Project Manager, due 2/24 and 2/23 respectfully. chicagocopa.org/careers2/caree…
Residents of Chicago are invited to apply.

Members of the public are now invited to share comments. Speakers signed up in advance to speak.

Jennifer Edwards shares on the area of 75th St between State and Cottage Grove (located b/w 2 police districts, 6th and 3rd). Residents are deeply affected by drunken behavior, trash, illegal parking due to the bars located there. They’ve requested cameras and shotspot.

1st Dep Super Carter states he will followup and get the information from Board Member Max.

Elijah Hudson calls about being arrested for an expired license plate that resulted in his legal firearm being confiscated. Charges were dismissed but he has not received his firearm back. Ghian Foreman responds that they will look into it.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m last Thursday, Feb 16. This concludes the Chicago Police Board meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 16, 7:30pm. For more meeting coverage, check out documenters.org 👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽