Chicago: CHICAGO officials are pledging to revamp the city Police Department following a scathing federal report, but a change in administrations could spell uncertainty for the critical next step in process: negotiating a court-enforceable improvement plan with the Justice Department.
A report on Friday found police violated constitutional rights of residents for years, including frequent use of excessive force, shooting at people who did not pose imminent threats and using stun guns on others only because they refused to follow commands.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the results of probe were “sobering” and pledged to make changes beyond those city already has adopted, including de-escalation training and stricter use-of-force policies. Federal authorities and city officials have signed an agreement that offers a broad outline for reform, including commitments to improved transparency, training and accountability for bad officers. The Justice Department and the city will negotiate a final settlement to be enforced by the courts.
