While some celebrated the conviction and others protested the political system that tried to cover up the murder of Laquan McDonald, both groups seem to agree that in the city of Chicago and for people of color, justice remains a work in progress.
Criminal Justice

Data plays central role in police reform efforts in Chicago and beyond
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Like groups across the country, the Police Accountability Task Force relies on data analysis to inform its proposals for reform.
Criminal Justice

Widespread discontent, out-of-state dollars helped defeat Alvarez
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Kim Foxx won votes across race and class lines in Cook County, drawing on push for police reform.
Criminal Justice

Police accountability takes center stage in Cook County State’s Attorney race
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The March 15 Democratic primary could be a referendum on Anita Alvarez’s handling of officer-involved shootings and send a message to prosecutors across the country.
Criminal Justice

Witness to police shooting sues city for violating free speech
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The witness says she was detained and prevented from speaking to media after a 2013 shooting by Chicago Officer Marco Proano.
Criminal Justice

Chicago cop’s lawsuit against estate of slain teen might be a first
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The officer who shot Quintonio LeGrier is suing the victim’s family for $10 million in damages, citing emotional trauma.
Race and Culture

Families of police shooting victims form bonds built on loss
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From Emmett Till to Rekia Boyd, generations of families affected by racial violence find solace by supporting each other’s struggles.
Criminal Justice

The business of Tasers
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Taser International, a leading law enforcement technology company, could benefit from efforts in Chicago and other cities to increase the use of Tasers, billed as a non-lethal weapon. In response to officer-involved shootings, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and other city leaders are calling for more police officers to be trained in the use of the electroshock devices.
16 Shots

Program that flags Chicago cops at risk of misconduct misses most officers
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The Chicago Police Department’s early intervention program failed to effectively intervene with the officer at the center of the Laquan McDonald shooting.
multimedia

16 shots: the aftermath of the Laquan McDonald shooting (video)
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Chicago was enveloped in a wave of protests after the release of the Laquan McDonald shooting video on Nov. 24, 2015. Photographers for The Chicago Reporter documented the scandal’s fallout in this audio slideshow.
Criminal Justice

Chicago police contract scrutinized in the aftermath of Laquan McDonald’s death
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Some aldermen say they want to change provisions in the Fraternal Order of Police contract that makes it possible for officers like Jason Van Dyke, who shot a 17-year-old teenager 16 times, to receive additional protections in criminal investigations.