Settling for Misconduct, an interactive database created by The Chicago Reporter, tracks how much the city spends to settle civil rights lawsuits against Chicago police officers and which officers cost the city the most. Chicago has paid more than half a billion dollars since 2005 to settle lawsuits against police officers — money the city cannot afford. Rather than rein in the practices that lead to police misconduct settlements, city officials borrowed tens of millions of dollars a year to pay for these lawsuits, adding to the city’s mounting debt. Over time, the interest on the bonds more than doubles the cost taxpayers bear for police misconduct.
Chicago Reporter (https://www.chicagoreporter.com/series/settling-for-misconduct/page/2/)
Our investigation shows a troubling pattern of officers charging alleged victims of police misconduct with aggravated battery or assault to a police officer or resisting arrest. Read more >>
Jonah Newman | Despite spending more than $370 million on police misconduct lawsuits in six years, the city has not heeded official calls to analyze the cases for trends.
Jonah Newman | Year after year, Chicago spends much more than planned on police payouts and relies on costly borrowing to make up the difference.
Jonah Newman | The city avoided competitive bidding in its contract for cameras, which could cost taxpayers over $30 million for technology that has yet to be shown to curb misconduct.
Carla Murphy | An amendment that would make cops financially culpable for misconduct settlements was rejected by Minneapolis City Council, but it could get on the November ballot via court order.
Jonah Newman | A former Justice Department official says he is “surprised and disappointed” that Mayor Rahm Emanuel is waiting for the DOJ’s investigation to begin implementing common-sense reforms.