Press Release

Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) Invites Applications for Chief Administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA)

Date:

August 21, 2025

CHICAGO- The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) announced today that applications are now being accepted for the position of Chief Administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA).

COPA is Chicago’s independent civilian agency responsible for investigating all officer-involved shootings and deaths or serious injuries in police custody, as well as the most serious allegations of police misconduct, including use of excessive force, sexual misconduct, and bias-based verbal abuse. COPA also makes disciplinary recommendations for incidents it investigates. The Chief Administrator leads COPA’s team of approximately 140 professionals across investigative, legal, and administrative divisions, ensuring investigations are fair, thorough, and timely; issuing policy recommendations to improve policing practices; and serving as the public face of the agency.

To assist with the national search, the Commission has engaged the Byers Group, a nationally recognized, executive search firm. With more than 17 years of experience placing leaders in public agencies and oversight bodies, the Byers Group has successfully conducted executive searches in many major cities across the U.S.

“This isn’t just about filling a position- it’s about finding someone who can help build trust in one of the most important agencies in our city,” said President Anthony Driver Jr. “The next Chief Administrator must make sure COPA’s investigations and disciplinary recommendations are fair and timely, helping Chicagoans understand and believe in COPA’s independence and uniting a staff around a clear mission. They must also take a broader view–identifying patterns of misconduct, working productively with partners across the city, and leading with honesty, courage, and a vision that Chicagoans deserve.”

The ideal candidate will be a courageous, collaborative, and principled leader with experience in criminal, civil rights, or labor law, law enforcement oversight, or complex investigations, along with a strong understanding of law enforcement. Candidates must demonstrate integrity, sound judgement, and the ability to manage high-pressure investigations with fairness and impartiality. Strong managerial skills, communication skills, and a record of working effectively with diverse communities are essential.

Under City ordinance, the Commission will identify at least ten qualified candidates and select the one it deems most qualified. The Mayor will then have the opportunity to provide written input on the Commission’s choice before the selected candidate is referred to the City Council. The City Council Committee on Police and Fire will hold a hearing on the Commission’s selected candidate, who will then be submitted to the full City Council for approval. If the City Council rejects the Commission’s selected candidate, the Commission must select a new candidate within 30 days.

The Chief Administrator is appointed to a four- year term with a salary of $203,532 plus benefits. First consideration will be given to applications received by October 3, 2025.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and letter of interest to: copa.chief@byersgroup.com.

The letter of interest should outline the candidate’s vision for the role, relevant accomplishments, and motivation for seeking the position. The position will remain open until filled.

An application brochure with detailed information about the application process and required materials is available at www.cityofchicago.org/COPASearch.