The Latest Breaking News from CPD

In abrupt about-face, Finance Committee signs off on $1 million settlement tied to controversial police shooting

In January, opposition from police union allies on the City Council allies forced then-Finance Committee Chair Scott Waguespack to yank the $1 million settlement to the mother of Sharrell Brown off the agenda. But Wednesday, it passed with little or no debate.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 14, 2023

Robert Hanssen, ex-Chicago cop turned FBI agent who was convicted of spying for Russia, dead at 79

He left the Chicago Police Department and joined the FBI. He pleaded guilty to providing U.S. secrets to the former Soviet Union and was sentenced to life in prison.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 5, 2023

J.J. Bittenbinder, colorful ex-Chicago police detective and crime-prevention guru, dead at 80

He taught people how to avoid being crime victims on TV’s ‘Tough Target’ and ‘Street Smarts’ and in a popular book. He also gave safety presentations at schools.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 5, 2023

‘Peacekeepers’ try to prevent violence using hard-won street smarts

For a $100 stipend, some Chicagoans who are statistically among the most at-risk of gun violence are working to change themselves and their neighborhoods.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 28, 2023

Brandon Johnson in no rush to get rid of ShotSpotter despite campaign promise

“The mayor was clear that there were some real questions about the effectiveness of ShotSpotter .... There might be individuals who have different perspective. He’s gonna hear everyone out and make a decision on that,” senior adviser Jason Lee told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 26, 2023

City inspector general finds Chicago Police Department employs dozens of cops who knowingly lied

CHICAGO — The Chicago Police Department continues to employ more than 100 officers who knowingly provided false information during criminal investigations, according to a report released Thursday by the city’s watchdog agency.

Chicago Tribune · May 25, 2023

More than 100 Chicago police officials kept their jobs after making false statements, despite department’s ‘you lie, you die’ rule

Dismissal is considered the “appropriate disciplinary penalty” for violating the rule, but the city’s watchdog said it is not consistently enforced, undermining police integrity.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 25, 2023

NW Side residents express support and disapproval of plan to house immigrant families at Wilbur Wright College

The shelter would alleviate pressure on police stations, which have turned into temporary shelters for more than 700 asylum-seekers across the city, officials said.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 24, 2023

CPD community policing efforts have not built trust, cut crime, Northwestern study finds

Researchers say the department has failed to embrace or devote enough officers to community-based efforts.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 24, 2023

What does Chicago need in a new police superintendent? First, a leader with vision.

I have seen police departments rise from the ashes of defeat due to great leaders with the courage and vision to drive change, writes former Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck. Chicago deserves no less.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 23, 2023