Chicago Police Officer Faced Firing Over Slurs
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability recommended the termination of Officer John Kaporis for repeated misconduct.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Civilian Office of Police Accountability and former Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling have moved to terminate Officer John Kaporis following a probe into his conduct. Kaporis was found to have used anti-Black and anti-gay slurs while on duty.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding officer accountability and the department's ability to address long-term patterns of misconduct. It further underscores the ongoing legal debate over whether such cases should be resolved through arbitration or by the Chicago Police Board.
Officer John Kaporis faces termination after accumulating 52 complaints since 2000, including a one-year suspension in 2003 for filing a false police report. Separately, Superintendent Larry Snelling recommended a 180-day suspension for Christoph Kaporis.
The players
John Kaporis
He is a veteran Chicago police officer who served for 26 years before being stripped of his badge and gun.
Larry Snelling
He is the former Chicago Police Superintendent who initiated the disciplinary action against the officer.
Civilian Office of Police Accountability
This independent city agency investigates allegations of misconduct by Chicago police officers.
Illinois Supreme Court
The state's highest judicial body is currently reviewing the legal process for resolving police misconduct cases.
Christoph Kaporis
He is the brother of the officer who was involved in a 2022 incident involving a civilian driver.
The details
An in-car camera system recorded Officer John Kaporis using an anti-Black slur three times in less than 20 minutes on April 12, 2022. COPA also determined that the officer lied to officials in violation of Rule 14 and targeted Black women with slurs in a separate event.
Timeline
2000: Kaporis began accumulating 52 misconduct complaints.
2003: Kaporis was suspended for one year.
April 12, 2022: Kaporis used racial and homophobic slurs on duty.
April 21, 2022: Kaporis involved his brother in a disputed incident.
April 2024: Snelling stripped Kaporis of his badge and gun.
Legal Context
This disciplinary action reflects the ongoing effort to enforce Chicago Police Department Rule 14 regarding professional honesty and unbiased policing. It also highlights the broader legal conflict regarding whether police disciplinary cases should be settled via arbitration or public oversight.
The investigation ensures that evidence of discriminatory conduct on duty is identified and addressed by departmental leadership. Residents can track the progress of these reforms as the city determines the ultimate authority for police disciplinary oversight.
The takeaway
Maintaining departmental integrity requires consistent application of policies regarding professional conduct. Accountability remains a central challenge in balancing union arbitration rights with public safety standards.
What happens next
The Illinois Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision on the required process for police misconduct arbitration before the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more information on departmental disciplinary protocols, visit Law Enforcement.
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