Fairness and Consistency in the Disciplinary Process for Chicago Police Department Members

Executive Summary

The process by which CPD members are investigated and disciplined for allegations of misconduct is complex and directed by numerous, decentralized sources of authority, including: CPD and other agency policies, directives, and manuals; the MCC; the consent decree entered in Illinois v. Chicago; and multiple collective bargaining agreements between the City of Chicago and CPD members. The investigative and disciplinary process also involves multiple City and non-City institutional actors. CPD’s Bureau of Internal Affairs (BIA) and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), a civilian investigating agency, are primarily responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct against CPD members; if they sustain one or more allegations, they recommend a disciplinary penalty. This recommended discipline then proceeds through a review process, after which CPD issues any discipline to the accused Department member. Depending on several factors—including the rank or position of the accused member and the level of discipline recommended—the member may challenge this discipline through a disciplinary grievance procedure. In certain other cases—either as an elective challenge or as an automatic, non-waivable review—the Chicago Police Board adjudicates cases in which the issued discipline is above a specified level of severity. CPD is responsible for implementing the final discipline following any appeal of adjudicatory processes.