New IPRA Boss Promises Integrity In Police Misconduct Investigations
(CBS) -- There have been intense calls for change at the Chicago Police Department, and now the agency that investigates officer-involved shootings is undergoing a major restructuring.
Sharon Fairley, acting chief administrator of the Independent Police Review Authority, says her vision to improve the agency begins with creating immediate improvement where the organization needs it most.
"I'm bringing in new leadership and creating several key positions I believe are essential to our future success," she told reporters at a news conference Monday.
Those positions include, hiring Annette Moore, from the University of Chicago Law School, as IPRA's new chief of staff and Jay Westensee as a new chief investigator.
A search for a new general counsel and first deputy are also underway.
"I have been charged by the mayor to come to this agency and do the job. The job to me is doing quality investigations with integrity and independence," Fairley said. "I don't have any pressure on me from the mayor to conduct an investigation in any particular way."
Fairley also says the legal team of the agency will be strengthened by adding two new attorneys and filling a current vacancy.
IPRA has come under fire following revelations about the police-involved shooting of Laquan McDonald. Critics say IPRA has been part of a City Hall coverup