Police Board Oversight

Chicago Police Board

The Chicago Police Board is an independent body made up of nine members. The board hears disciplinary cases for Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers, reviews appeals for applicants disqualified during background checks, and holds monthly public meetings to allow citizen input and comment, all while deciding outcomes for severe misconduct allegations including removal or discharge.

Under the City ordinance, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has oversight authority over the Police Board. This includes setting expectations, evaluating leadership, and ensuring the Board’s decisions reflect the values of transparency, accountability, and community input.

What the Commission Oversees

The Commission is responsible for:

  • Nominating candidates to serve on the Police Board
  • Setting annual goals for the Police Board President
  • Evaluating the Police Board President’s performance each year
  • Issuing a vote of no confidence, when necessary, for just cause
  • Drafting, amending, and reviewing Police Board policies
  • Voting to approve proposed policy changes

Goals & Performance Reviews

Each year, the Commission works with the Police Board President and Executive Director to set clear goals. These goals help guide the Board’s work and serve as the basis for a formal year-end performance evaluation of the President.

Current Goals

Review past annual goals for the Police Board President:

Past Goals

Evaluations

CCPSA began posting the yearly evaluations for CPD, COPA, and Police Board starting with 2025. The evaluation includes the agencies’ self-assessment and the Commission’s evaluation of the completion of each goal. Any additional updates regarding the annual goals that extended beyond the year of review are also included.

Police Board Nominations

The Commission is committed to ensuring that Police Board members reflect the diversity and values of all Chicago communities. Learn more about our Police Board Member Selection Procedures (last adopted August 31, 2023).

Current Status: There are no vacancies at this time, but applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If no seats are available when you apply, your materials will be kept on file for future consideration.

Who We’re Looking For:
We welcome applicants from a wide range of fields, including:

  • Law enforcement or law enforcement oversight
  • Public policy
  • Civil rights
  • Community organizing
  • Social work, psychology, or mental health

Applicants must have at least 10 years of combined experience in one or more of these areas. Post-graduate education may count toward this requirement. Board members serve four-year terms and receive a $1,000 monthly stipend.

To apply, please submit the following to PoliceBoardNominations@cityofchicago.org:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • List of Five References
  • Completed Eligibility Form
  • Completed Conflict-of-Interest Form

Tell Us What You Think

We want your input on the qualities and experience we should look for in Police Board candidates.

Take our anonymous survey: