The Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) is an independent department of the City of Chicago staffed with the civilian investigators. IPRA was created by the Chicago Police Department in 1974 in response to public and internal concerns about the integrity of excessive force investigations. In 2007, by ordinance, the City of Chicago re-structured IPRA creating an independent City department.

IPRA performs the intake function for all allegations of misconduct made against members of the Chicago Police Department.

IPRA is directly responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of the use of excessive force, police shootings where an officer discharges his/her weapon and strikes someone, deaths in custody, domestic violence, verbal abuse including bias and coercion. IPRA also investigates allegations of off-duty misconduct relating to excessive force and weapon discharge incidents.

Headed by a civilian Chief Administrator and staffed entirely with civilian investigators, IPRA is charged with the mission of maintaining the highest level of integrity while conducting objective, thorough investigations, striving to reach a sound and just conclusion.

Although IPRA investigations present unique challenges, IPRA conducts thorough and independent investigations addressing every complaint retained by IPRA. Our investigations include but are not limited to conducting interviews and formal statements with complainants, witnesses, accused and witness officers, and the analysis of all forms of evidence including video, forensic and documentary.

IPRA exists for EVERY member of the community and the members of the Chicago Police Department. Its service is structured to promote cooperative relationships of trust and responsibility between citizens and the police.