Community Commission Nominates Interim Chief LaKenya White to Lead Chicago Police Accountability Agency Permanently
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has officially nominated LaKenya White to serve as the permanent Chief Administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA). White, a veteran of Chicago’s police oversight system with nearly three decades of experience, has led the agency on an interim basis following the resignation of former administrator Andrea Kersten in early 2025.
The decision follows a months-long national search that reportedly yielded 27 applicants for the position. The CCPSA, a civilian body created in 2021 to bring more community control to police oversight, voted unanimously to select White. Commission leadership praised White for improving the quality, consistency, and timeliness of investigations during her interim tenure, citing her deep institutional knowledge as a decisive factor. Before rising to the interim top spot, White served as a director of investigations, overseeing the intake of misconduct complaints.
If confirmed by the Chicago City Council, White will take permanent command of an agency frequently caught in the crossfire between law enforcement advocates and police reform activists. COPA is responsible for investigating officer-involved shootings and serious misconduct allegations, a mandate that inherently generates friction. White’s nomination comes at a sensitive time as the agency continues to navigate public scrutiny over investigation backlogs and the handling of high-profile cases, such as the deadly 2024 traffic stop involving Dexter Reed, which intensified political pressure on the previous administration.
While White has garnered support from the oversight commission for stabilizing internal operations and improving staff morale, she faces the ongoing challenge of maintaining credibility with both the community and the rank-and-file police force. Critics of the city’s oversight apparatus have long argued that investigations drag on for years, delaying justice for victims and uncertainty for officers. Meanwhile, the Fraternal Order of Police has historically contended that the agency exhibits bias against officers. White’s confirmation process will now move to the City Council’s Committee on Police and Fire, where aldermen will weigh her appointment against the city’s complex public safety landscape. Mayor Brandon Johnson has a 30-day window to review the selection, though the commission holds the primary nominating authority.
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