CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The head of Chicago’s police accountability agency said she’s finding her hands tied when it comes to what information can be made public about cases of alleged misconduct — and what she can withhold.
As Chief Administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, Andrea Kersten’s appointment was slowed by controversy over what some saw as the office saying too much.
For example, when the office made public that murdered police officer Ella French was previously recommended for discipline in connection with a botched raid. Kersten said the rules would not allow her to keep the info hidden — and still don’t.
Kersten has already proposed changes to some rules that outline what officials can, or should, hold back from the public.
At other times, such as after an investigation of a police officer is completed, Kersten said she’s barred from saying what that investigation found.
With COPA approaching its five-year anniversary in September, Kersten said this would be a good time to reconsider all of the rules on transparency to see what is and isn’t working in practice.
“We now actually have a body of work to reflect on and be able to evaluate more meaningfully, rather than theoretically, [as to] whether any changes aren’t warranted,” Kersten said.
Among other things to re-examine, she says, is the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Chicago's Police officers.
Listen to COPA Chief Andrea Kersten on WBBM’s “At Issue” program at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.
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