Personal Injury Law

Chicago Police Superintendent Refuses to Release Names of Cops with Most Excessive Force Complaints

In Chicago, Illinois, Police Superintendent Jody Weis has until 4pm on Friday to turn over a list of names of Chicago officers who have received at least five citizen complaints since 2000. So far, he has refused to obey US Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez?s orders.

The list of ?repeaters? has been requested in connection to a Chicago police brutality lawsuit involving a Chicago police officer that allegedly falsely arrested and used excessive force on two children. Donna Moore, who is the mother of the 11-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl who were arrested in a playground incident, filed the Chicago police brutality lawsuit.

One of the Chicago lawyers seeking the list for his client?s case says he wants to show that the Chicago Police Department has exhibited a pattern of hiding police misconduct. Weiss, however, says that turning over the names would threaten the officers? safety, compromise their performance when dealing with future incidents, ruin good reputations, and decrease morale. The City of Chicago has proposed producing a redacted list that doesn?t reveal the names.

In an unrelated Chicago police brutality lawsuit, the city of Chicago is combating a judge?s request to release a list that names 662 Chicago cops who received 10 or more citizen complaints between 2001 and 2006. Over two dozen Chicago aldermen are also seeking the list.

Chicago Police Misconduct
If you believe you are the victim of misconduct or are aware of an incident involving misconduct or excessive use of violence by a Chicago police officer, you can file a complaint of misconduct by contacting the city of Chicago?s Independent Police Review Authority at (312) 745-9594 or at 10 West 35th Street, 12th Floor, Chicago, IL 60616.

You also should speak with an experienced Chicago police brutality law firm to explore your options for financial recovery.

Weis to judge: Can't have list of most reported cops, Chicago Sun-TImes, February 23, 2009

Chicago's top cop defies judges in abuse suit, AP, February 23, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Chicago's Finest Under Fire for Police Brutality, September 28, 2007

Chicago Police Department

Chicago Police Board

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Attorney Blog on February 24, 2009 (boomark / email).