DOJ Investigation

The Chicago Police Department has been investigated by the Department of Justice, which found a pattern of constitutional violations.

Most of us have little knowledge and experience with DOJ involvement in our police departments, so a number of questions are raised. This page is a collection of those questions and resources to try and answer them.

Download the DOJ’s two page fact sheet [PDF] or read it here
Download the full DOJ report [PDF] or read it here

QUESTIONS

What does this mean?
What exactly is and is not binding for the City of Chicago?
Will anything change?
Will charges be filed against CPD and the City of Chicago?
Will victims and communities receive restitution?
Have there been examples of such investigations that have led to significant reforms of police departments?
Does this investigation make any difference?
Is Mayor Emanuel, IPRA/COPA included in the investigation and bound to make any changes?

TEACH INS

2017 Teach In hosted by Black Lives Matter Chicago
2015 Teach In hosted by Project NIA (video and links below)

Download a PDF of the presentation
All of the links that were shared in the other handout are below:

Select US Department of Justice Special Litigation Section Documents
New Orleans
Findings Letter [PDF]
Consent Decree [PDF]
The People’s Consent Decree [PDF]

Newark
Findings Letter [PDF]
Consent Decree [PDF]

Ferguson
Findings Letter [PDF]

Cincinnati
Consent Decree [PDF]

Finally, for those who want to directly reach out to DOJ line attorneys in Chicago, you can email: emily.gunston@usdoj.gov