GAPA: The Change We Need for True Civilian Oversight of the Police

Community Renewal Society, as a member of the Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability coalition, continues to fight for the GAPA Ordinance developed by community members and coalition allies.  The Ordinance is the strongest and most transformative reform effort to set up civilian oversight of the Chicago Police Department.   

In response to the murder of Laquan McDonald in 2014, and continuing to be necessary with the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and countless other lives that have been lost at the hands of police misconduct, the GAPA Coalition researched, drafted and promoted an ordinance to create a Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability.  Once the ordinance is passed, community members will be elected to serve on their local Police District Council. From these 22 Police District Councils, seven members will be nominated to serve on the Commission, which must include a young adult and a citizen directly impacted by the carceral system. The GAPA Coalition is currently fighting to include the following provisions in the ordinance before the Chicago City Council passes it.   

• The Commission will have the final say on Chicago Police Department, Civilian Office of Police Accountability and Police Board policy. 

• Sufficient budget and staffing for the Commission provided by the City. 

• The Commission may choose its own leadership.  

• The Commission will provide an assessment of and will have a vote of no confidence to remove key public safety leaders.  

• District Councils will remain community driven and democratic. 

CRS needs your support to pass this transformative, community-driven ordinance. Please contact Rev. Damon Smith or Sarah Yousuf to find out how you can help. Learn more about our work with police accountability by attending our virtual Policing Teach-in; watch Facebook and Twitter for information.