Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot signed an Executive Order creating the first City guidelines governing the release of materials directly to subjects of alleged police misconduct. Effective March 7, 2021, the Order creates a standardized, accessible and easy-to-navigate process for complainants to receive access to materials related to alleged police misconduct, including video recordings. Under the new protocol, the first-of-its-kind in Chicago, victims of alleged police misconduct will receive swift access to materials without having to navigate the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process or be constrained by the limitations of FOIA. Under the new Order, complainants that have filed a complaint with COPA alleging police misconduct in which they were the subject of the incident will be given the opportunity to submit a request to COPA for materials related to the incident. COPA will then notify the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the Department of Law of the request within three days of receiving the request. Provided that the incident is not covered by the City’s Video Release Policy, the City will release the following materials to the complainant as soon as practical, but no later than 30 calendar days following the request:  

• Video and audio recordings from CPD dash cameras and/or body-warn-cameras; and 

• Initial police reports, including original case reports and tactical response reports.