This paper will analyze some of the critical issues found in the investigation of the Chicago police department by the United States Department of Justice. A publicly released video of a police officer shooting a black teenager and its aftermath caused DOJ to look into the work of CPD (USDOJ 2017). The investigation was conducted to assess the practices of CPD and determine if any of them were unlawful and uncover any underlying issues. The article outlines the following areas: Force, Accountability, Training & Supervision, Officer Wellness & Safety, Data Collection &Transparency, Promotions, and Community-Focused Policing.
The report has discovered alarming issues connected with the use of force by CPD officers and their accountability. The CPD officers have been found to “ engage in a pattern or practice of using force, including deadly force, that is unreasonable” (USDOJ 2017). Such practices were deemed dangerous, as they resulted in shootings and injuries that could have been avoided. Accountability was also extremely low, as 98% of the over 30000 complaints of police misconduct resulted in no disciplinary measures (USDOJ 2017). To address both these issues, DOJ has recommended training and equipping officers for better de-escalation of conflicts. At the same time, the City of Chicago has been carrying out its reforms, such as providing officers with body cameras to enable better investigation of more cases in the future. DOJ stated that CPD’s accountability structure needs to provide a fair process to all accused officers.
The measures proposed to reduce the unnecessary use of force by the police seem logical, although they might not eliminate the issue by themselves. However, Chicago’s initiative to equip police officers with body cameras should serve well as an incentive to adhere to proper rules of conduct. In combination with a more effective accountability structure, these new regulations are likely to make CPD safer and more responsible.
References
United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Illinois. 2017. “Investigation of the Chicago Police Department,” 161.