Chicago Police Department audit reveals millions lost in overtime abuse and waste

By Brendan Bakala

10/04/2017

The city’s police department has gone over budget for overtime every year for the past six years, costing Chicago taxpayers $575 million in spending for overtime pay.

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department, criminal justice reform, police, police misconduct

Rahm’s 2017 budget: No significant reforms to help Chicago taxpayers

By Chris Lentino

10/13/2016

In his annual budget address, Mayor Rahm Emanuel provided an optimistic outlook on city finances, but no major reforms to give taxpayers reason to smile.

TAGS: Chicago, Chicago City Council, CPD: Chicago Police Department, Rahm Emanuel, Scott Waguespack

Chicago Police Department cannot avoid requests for private emails under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act

By Joe Tabor

08/31/2016

According to a ruling from Illinois’ attorney general, government employees cannot conceal work-related communication on private email, despite the Chicago Police Department’s arguments for it.

TAGS: CPD: Chicago Police Department, criminal justice reform, FOIA: Freedom of Information Act, police

Cost of police misconduct highlights need for risk management

By Bryant Jackson-Green

07/16/2016

The city of Chicago paid over $146 million in police misconduct and public safety claims in 2013 and 2014, according to the city inspector general’s report.

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department, criminal justice reform, Laquan McDonald, police, police body cameras, police misconduct, Rahm Emanuel

Chicago cops retire to dodge punishment, collect 6-figure pensions

By Austin Berg

02/04/2016

Since Chicago officials received a city watchdog investigation recommending six officers be disciplined for their roles surrounding the killing of David Koschman by a nephew of former Mayor Richard M. Daley, three have retired.

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department, criminal justice reform, pensions

Report: Dashcam equipment in Chicago police vehicles ‘intentionally’ destroyed

By Bryant Jackson-Green

01/28/2016

80% of Chicago dashcam audio systems are malfunctioning due "to operator error or in some cases intentional destruction."

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department, criminal justice reform, dashcam video, police body cameras

Chicago police unions are fighting to destroy decades of complaint records

By Austin Berg

12/14/2015

Tens of thousands of Chicago police misconduct files could be purged due to lawsuits filed by police unions.

TAGS: CPD: Chicago Police Department, good government, police misconduct

Illinois Attorney General asks for federal probe of Chicago Police Department

By Mark Fitton

12/02/2015

Madigan’s letter to the Justice Department came on the same day Chicago’s police superintendent, Garry McCarthy, resigned at the request of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department, Lisa Madigan, Rahm Emanuel

Call waiting: Chicago Police Department refusing to release cellphone-tracking info

By Bryant Jackson-Green

03/31/2015

The Chicago Police Department is refusing to disclose information regarding its use of covert cellphone-tracking devices, which can intercept the personal information of innocent bystanders.

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department, stingray

Criminal-justice accountability depends on transparency

By Bryant Jackson-Green

11/20/2014

Chicago needs police transparency now more than ever.

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department