Civic Wellness: How COPA’s Collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago Is Facilitating Valuable Investigative Skills in Police Accountability

This article explores how the examination of museum objects is fostering productive conversations in the field of civilian police accountability. As part of their new hire onboarding process, civilian oversight staff visit the Art Institute of Chicago to participate in a civic wellness program where topics of bias, community, social justice, and objectivity are the focus. This unlikely partnership allows staff a safe space to engage in a low-stakes dialogue about concepts that may be difficult to discuss in other environments. Attendees have an opportunity to practice thoughtful discussions with those who may have different perspectives than their own. The practical application of this skill will become paramount in their investigative work in civilian police accountability.

Published in JME 50.1: Civic Wellness (Spring 2025)

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