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Justice Department Launches Investigation into Chicago Police Department
The United States Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced that the Justice Department has opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into the Chicago Police Department (CPD), pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
The investigation will focus on CPD’s use of force, including racial, ethnic, and other disparities in use of force, and its systems of accountability. The Justice Department will gather information directly from police officers and local officials, community members, and other criminal justice stakeholders, such as public defenders and prosecutors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta stated, ‘The Justice Department’s investigation – opened with currently available, preliminary information – seeks to determine whether the Chicago Police Department’s use of force practices and accountability systems comply with constitutional standards necessary to effectively serve its community and productively support its police officers.’
The investigation will also consider CPD’s policies, training, and practices related to using, reporting, investigating, and reviewing force. It will also look into CPD’s practices related to disciplinary and other corrective action, as well as its practices related to intake and handling of allegations of misconduct.
The investigation is being conducted by attorneys and staff from the Civil Rights Division with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
As part of the investigation, the Justice Department will observe officer activities through ride-alongs and other means, as well as review documents and specific incidents that are relevant to the investigation.
The Justice Department has taken similar steps involving a variety of state and local law enforcement agencies, both large and small, in jurisdictions throughout the United States.
Attorney General Lynch stated, ‘Building trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve is one of my highest priorities as Attorney General. The Department of Justice intends to do everything we can to foster those bonds and create safer and fairer communities across the country.’
The investigation will not assess individual cases for potential criminal violations, but rather look at incidents for patterns created by systems and practices.
U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Fardon stated, ‘Today’s launch of this investigation marks an important and positive opportunity for Chicago and its police department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is fully committed to doing everything in our power, in partnership with our colleagues in the Civil Rights Division, to ensure that this process is a success.’
The investigation will be assisted by experienced law enforcement officers, who will gather information and conduct interviews with CPD officers and community members.
The investigation’s findings will be used to determine whether the CPD’s use of force practices and accountability systems comply with constitutional standards, and whether changes are needed to ensure that the CPD serves its community effectively and productively supports its police officers.
In the coming months, the Justice Department will engage directly with all stakeholders in Chicago – including the city’s residents, law enforcement officers, and public officials – as part of its fact-driven and thorough review.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Justice Department will provide updates as necessary.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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