Police Accountability in Chicago
Monitoring the Chicago Police Department
The Chicago Police Department is among the largest law enforcement agencies in the United States. We have investigated the city’s new police oversight agency, the department’s disciplinary system and a secretive appeals systems.
A Chicago Cop’s Facebook Posts and a City’s Struggle With Racism
In 50 years, only one officer has been fired for abuse involving racial or ethnically biased language.
Chicago Cop Under Investigation Again Over Social Media Posts
Officer John Catanzara describes himself as a “give no f#$%s, say it like it is man.” His Facebook and Instagram posts have prompted investigations.
Chicago Police Win Big When Appealing Discipline
Analysis shows hundreds of misconduct findings overturned.
Chicago Police Department Grievances
A Chicago Tribune-ProPublica Illinois investigation tracked more than 300 police disciplinary cases appealed through the department’s labor office. We analyzed changes between original discipline orders and what officers actually served.
Police Oversight Ordinance Promised Transparency But Doesn’t Fully Deliver
A revamped agency takes a step backward in informing the public.
Returning to the Scene of a Trauma
At 16, Brandon Whitehead and his father were held at gunpoint by an off-duty Chicago police officer. The cop got suspended for five days, which he served 11 years later. Brandon, now 27, goes back to the scene.
Chicago Police Skirt Punishment as Disciplinary System Fails Yet Again
Even after reporters identified lost cases, only some officers served suspensions.
