Chicago taxpayers have been forced to pay out $384.2 million in court costs for a pattern of police misconduct over the past five years, according to analysis of citywide data by WTTW News on Monday, Aug. 12. Data revealed that of the 1,300 officers involved in the lawsuits, 200 officers were involved in more than one incident, accounting for 43% of the total expenses in court costs.
One Chicago Police Department sergeant is reportedly responsible for $1.4 million in taxpayer costs alone. An instance of reported misconduct involved an $850,000 payout to a man the sergeant allegedly slammed to the ground after stopping him for drinking. A suspension was recommended for the sergeant. However, the sergeant is said to have received a promotion and a raise the next year instead of facing discipline.
The analysis found that the sergeant has had 22 complaints of misconduct throughout his career with the department.
The findings come as the city promises to crack down on repeat offenders among law enforcement. The Chicago Police Department has even recommended the city review settlements and judgements to identify patterns of behavior among officers. The department added that it will reduce both costs for the city and misconduct among officers.
Meanwhile, a system designed to catch officers with multiple complaints could have reportedly been rolled out citywide in 2021. However, the Chicago Police Department disclosed that it is still reviewing and assessing the program to “ensure that it’s being utilized effectively ahead of a citywide rollout.”
A new legal case management system was also scheduled to launch in March, but it is not ready. City officials said that they do not expect to have it ready until later in 2024.
The Chicago Police Department is also under a federal court order to change the way it disciplines and supervises police officers. In over four years, the department has reportedly complied with just 7% of the requirements since the agreement in 2019.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, D, responded to the findings by saying that it is his “top priority” to comply with the federal agreement’s requirements.
