Politics
Want to Serve on Chicago’s Police Oversight Board? Deadline to Apply is Friday
(WTTW News)
The deadline to apply to fill three vacant seats on Chicago’s police oversight board is Friday, officials said.
The seven-member Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability oversees the Civilian Office of Police Accountability and the Chicago Police Board and has the power to set policy for the Chicago Police Department.
The two-year terms of Commissioners Aaron Gottlieb, Abierre Minor and Angel Rubi Navarijo are coming to a close, after serving as the commission’s first permanent, City Council-confirmed commissioners.
All seven commissioners must have lived in Chicago for at least five years, and the commission better known as the CCPSA must be made up of at least two North Side residents, two South Side residents and two West Side residents, according to the rules.
In addition, at least two commissioners must be attorneys with expertise in civil rights, civil liberties or criminal defense or prosecution. Another commissioner must have experience in community organizing. Two other commissioners must be between the ages of 18 and 24, according to the rules.
However, commissioners cannot have worked for CPD, COPA or the Police Board in the past five years, according to the rules.
Gottlieb represented the North Side on the commission, while Minor represented the South Side. Navarijo also represented the North Side and served as a youth representative.
“While we encourage any strong and independent Chicago leader to apply, youth and North Side residents will have a special opportunity given the commission’s need,” said Aisha Humphries, a member of the nominating committee and the Gresham (6th) Police District Council. “Youth are often thought of as ‘impacted’ more than ‘impactful’ when it comes to policing matters. But the commission proves that they can make a difference.”
The applications will be reviewed by a 22-member nominating committee, made up of one elected police district council member from each of Chicago’s 22 police districts.
The committee will select two nominees for each seat and send them to Mayor Brandon Johnson, who will send his picks to serve four-year terms to the Chicago City Council for confirmation.
Applications can be found here. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. Friday.
Contact Heather Cherone: @HeatherCherone | (773) 569-1863 | [email protected]
WTTW News coverage of policing and police reform is supported by The Joyce Foundation.
