Ex-Supervisor Sues City, Claims Retaliation Over Exposing Bias in Police Accountability Office
Chicago — A former official at Chicago’s police oversight agency, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), has filed a lawsuit against the city, contending he was dismissed for highlighting alleged biases and unprofessional behavior within the unit. Matthew Haynam, who served as a supervisor at COPA, asserted his termination in August by COPA chief Andrea Kersten was a direct response to his complaints to the City of Chicago’s Inspector General and the Civilian Commission on Public Safety and Accountability. The lawsuit claims that Kersten was instrumental in shaping public opinion against police officers involved … Read more