How to File a Complaint
Citizens and employees can make complaints about other employees. These can include anonymous complaints, but anonymous ones might limit how much information is available for decision-making.
Not every complaint needs a formal investigation. A formal investigation happens only if the complaint is about serious misconduct that breaks the department’s rules. Once the investigation is done, the employee’s supervisors (known as the “chain of command”) review the findings and decide the outcome.
If you’re unhappy with police service or want to file a complaint against a member of the Chicago Police Department, you can report it to COPA (Civilian Office of Police Accountability).
There are four ways to register a complaint:
- By calling COPA at (312) 743-COPA or TTY (312) 745-3598. These numbers are staffed or voice mail is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- By visiting the COPA offices located at 1615 W. Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60622 4th floor between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- By writing the COPA Intake Section at the above address.
- By visiting any Police district station and making a complaint with the desk sergeant. Complaints received at district stations will be immediately forwarded to COPA.