Chicago Police Misconduct Allegations Increase by Nearly 19%
The Independent Police Review Authority is reporting a nearly 19% increase in the number of complaints alleging Chicago police misconduct. The rise began in March when the number of complaints went up from about 2,300 complaints every three months to 2,600 complaints and then approximately 2,800 complaints.
According to IPRA Chief Administrator Ilana Rosenzweig, it is not known at this time whether the increase in the number of complaints is a result of more incidents involving “perceived misconduct,” more people willing to report the allegations, or more “aggressive policing.”
Our Chicago police brutality law firm wants to remind you that police violence, including excessive use of force when apprehending a suspect or guarding a prisoner, is never acceptable and can be grounds for a Chicago, Illinois injury lawsuit against the liable parties. Unfortunately, many people are scared to report incidents of police misconduct and abuse. Chicago police brutality is illegal and offending officers should be prosecuted.
Tracy Siska, who runs the Chicago Justice Project, says the Independent Police Review Authority or internal affairs is usually tasked with investigating complaints of police misconduct. The majority of cases are tossed out. The remaining cases are sent to Chicago’s Police Superintendent.
When the Chicago Police Superintendent wants to fire a cop, the Chicago Police Board must approve the decision. However, according to a Chicago Justice Project study released last week, the board normally overrules the superintendent in 2/3rds of the cases involving a firing decision.
Chicago Police Brutality Lawsuits
Even if the police officer that abused you is not punished in criminal court or fired from his or her job, you can still hold the offending cop liable in civil court.
Study: Police Board Doesn't Fire Many Cops, WBEZ.org, October 29, 2009
Police misconduct allegations up almost 19%, Chicago Tribune, October 30, 2009
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