Press Release

District Council Nominating Committee Commences Commissioner Selection Process

Date:

December 18, 2023

CHICAGO- The District Council Nominating Committee is thrilled to announce the
commencement of the selection process for the next Community Commission for Public Safety
and Accountability (CCPSA). Applications for these esteemed positions will be open from
January 8, 2024 to February 7, 2024 and will be posted on the CCPSA website.

The Commission is a seven-member body that oversees the Chicago Police Department (CPD),
the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), and the Police Board. The seven current
Commissioners hold their positions on an interim basis. Under the CCPSA ordinance that
established the Commission and elected District Councils, future Commissioners will be
nominated by a geographically diverse Nominating Committee consisting of 22 elected District
Council members, with one representative from each police district.

The Commission works to increase public safety, transparency, and community input into CPD,
COPA, and Police Board operations, policies, and procedures. “Commissioners bridge the gap
between our public safety agencies and our communities, fostering trust, while advocating for
public safety strategies rooted in the needs of Chicago’s diverse residents. An ideal candidate
will understand our city’s nuances and be committed to implementing equitable and data-driven
policies that prioritize everyone’s safety and well-being” said Angelica Green, 25th District
Council Member.

Embodying a set of core values and experiences, Commissioners are expected to possess:

• A Reputation for Integrity, Professionalism and Sound Judgement
• A History of Leadership and Community Involvement
• An Ability to Work Collaboratively with a Wide Range of People
• Good Judgment, Independence, Fairness and Objectivity
• Relevant Experience: At least five Commissioners must have a minimum of five years’ experience in one or more of the fields of law, public policy, social work, psychology, mental health, public safety, community organizing, civil rights, or advocacy for marginalized communities.
• Specialized Experience: Two Commissioners must be attorneys with a minimum of
  ten years’ experience in civil rights, criminal defense, or prosecution. Additionally, at
  least one Commissioner must possess at least a decade of experience in community
  organizing.
• Youth Representation: Two Commissioners must be between the ages of 18-24, and
  are exempt from the five years of specialized experience requirement.
• Residency Requirements: All Commissioners must have been residents of Chicago
  for at least the past five years preceding their appointment. Additionally, there are
  specific residency requirements for Commissioners living on the West, South, and
  North Sides

“The Commission plays a crucial oversight and transparency role in Chicago policing and public
safety. The Nominating Committee, comprised of Chicago’s elected District Council
representatives, is designed to ensure that the Commission truly mirrors the hopes and needs
voiced by our communities. We’re excited to see the good work of the interim Commission
continue with the next Commission by ensuring that their selection represents the values of
accountability and transparency and the diverse voices of our City,” said Sam Schoenburg, 19th
District Council Member.

The Nominating Committee will review all applications, conduct thorough interviews with
finalists, and nominate at least two individuals to fill each of the seven vacancies on the
Commission. Once nominated, the Mayor will select seven individuals to serve on the
Commission from those nominated by the Committee.

For more information about the Nominating Committee and the application launch on January
8, 2024, please visit the CCPSA website at www.cityofchicago.org/ChicagoCommunityCommission. Any inquiries or comments can be directed to commissionnomination@cityofchicago.org.