Chicago Oversight Commission Names New COPA Boss

LaKenya White, the interim chief, gets the permanent job after a nationwide search.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Following a nationwide search, the city's Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability decided to make LaKenya White the permanent chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA). White had been serving as the interim chief since March 2025 after the previous chief, Andrea Kersten, resigned. The commission cited White's efforts to rebuild trust with COPA employees and stabilize the agency during a turbulent time as key factors in their decision.

Why it matters

COPA has faced significant challenges in recent years, including allegations of biased investigations against police officers under Kersten's leadership. The selection of White as the permanent chief is seen as an important step in rebuilding trust in the police oversight agency and ensuring its effectiveness in investigating misconduct allegations.

The details

White, who started her career at the agency that preceded COPA, was elevated to replace Kersten on a temporary basis. During her time as interim chief, she faced scrutiny for repeatedly walking back disciplinary recommendations against officers. However, current COPA employees appeared to stand behind her management style and the changes she had implemented, such as prioritizing training to give investigators a better understanding of police department policy and officers' decision-making process.

  • White took over as interim chief administrator in March 2025.
  • In the summer of 2025, a WBEZ and Sun-Times investigation found White had walked back the disciplinary recommendations for six cops since taking over the role.

The players

LaKenya White

The new permanent chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) in Chicago. She had been serving as the interim chief since March 2025 and was selected for the permanent role after a nationwide search.

Andrea Kersten

The former chief of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) in Chicago, who resigned in 2025 to avoid a potentially embarrassing vote of no confidence.

Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability

The city's oversight commission that conducted the search for the new COPA chief and ultimately selected LaKenya White for the permanent role.

Larry Snelling

The Chicago police superintendent who publicly spoke out against former COPA chief Andrea Kersten over her handling of the police shootout that killed Dexter Reed.

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who will have 30 days to weigh in on LaKenya White's nomination as the permanent COPA chief.

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What they’re saying

“COPA's work requires leadership that understands both the technical demands of complex investigations and the human impact those investigations have on families, officers, and communities.”

— Remel Terry, President, Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (suntimes.com)

“She can build public trust in COPA.”

— Angel Navarijo, Commissioner, Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (suntimes.com)

What’s next

The mayor now has 30 days to weigh in on White's nomination. The City Council's Committee on Police and Fire will then hold a public hearing, and if advanced, White's nomination will head to a full council vote.

The takeaway

The selection of LaKenya White as the permanent COPA chief represents an important step in rebuilding trust and stability within the police oversight agency, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. Her experience and efforts to transform the agency's culture have earned her the support of both COPA employees and the oversight commission.