The 9 member Chicago Police and Fire Committee was under fire last week for its handling of police discipline matters. One of the Committee’s responsibilities is to decide cases of alleged police misconduct. However, according to the Chicago Justice Project, more than half of the committee members missed between 15% – 34% of votes on police discipline matters between 1999 -2008.
Last week a city Alderman proposed a change in city law that would require a board member to be taken off the board if they missed three meetings. No action has yet been taken on the proposal. Alderman Carothers who presides over this Committee and has himself been indicted on federal corruption charges opposes the proposed attendance policy.
While the Aldermen continue to discuss this important issue other issues related to the Committee are also being considered. For example, should the Committee members be paid for their work and how should the Committee make their findings public?
Police misconduct is a serious issue and the people of Chicago deserve a professional board that regularly attends meetings, votes and makes its findings public.
Individuals who have been victims of police misconduct may have the right to sue the City for damages. Please contact an experienced Chicago civil rights lawyer today if you have been the victim of police misconduct.