Recommendation to Reopen Chicago Police Department Misconduct Investigation

Executive Summary

Pursuant to the Municipal Code of Chicago (MCC) § 2-56-230(c)(ii), the Public Safety section of the City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts reviews of individual closed disciplinary investigations conducted by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) and the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD) Bureau of Internal Affairs (BIA). Based on those reviews, OIG may recommend that the investigating agency reopen the investigation to address deficiencies materially affecting its outcome.

OIG reviewed a COPA investigation concerning allegations of an improper stop and search against three CPD members. It was further alleged that one of the CPD members used excessive force by slapping the complainant in their face during the incident.

During its review, OIG identified that one of the CPD members made a false statement to COPA when they told investigators the complainant gave permission to search their glove compartment. A review of body worn camera (BWC) footage demonstrates the opposite of the CPD member’s claim.

OIG recommended that COPA reopen the investigation to conduct a Rule 14 analysis related to the CPD member’s statement that they received consent to search the glove compartment.