Researchers release study on Chicago police corruption
Researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago are releasing a study that cites 300 cases of Chicago police officers convicted in the last 50 years of serious crimes ranging from murder to running a ring of jewel thieves.
The study catalogues some of the most infamous incidents that have contributed to a reputation for misconduct, brutality and cover-ups that’s dogged the department for decades.
The report was released Thursday, hours before the city council approved settlements in two police misconduct lawsuits for a total of $33 million. The authors recommend a new, elected police board and more ethics training for officers.
Police officials say the department already has made significant changes leading to better oversight of officers and that there have been far fewer cases in recent years.