When someone falls victim to police brutality and misconduct in Chicago, they deserve justice for the harm police officers or other law enforcement officers have done. But achieving that justice is often a very difficult process, made even more challenging by the fact that many victims of Chicago Police Department misconduct don’t know where to turn for help.
That’s where The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers come in. Our Chicago police brutality injury lawyers are committed to helping victims of police misconduct or police shootings in Chicago fight for the justice and compensation they deserve.
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, our Chicago police misconduct lawyers understand that many victims of police brutality have already been traumatized by the events leading to their case. We strive to make the legal process as seamless and stress-free as possible so that our clients can focus on what’s most important: achieving justice, getting compensation, and healing.
How to Get Help if You Are Injured by a Chicago Police Officer
If you or a loved one has experienced an injury due to police brutality or misconduct, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm that has been done. No matter how you suffered a serious injury, whether at a traffic stop gone wrong, resisting arrest, or losing a loved one in a wrongful death, the Chicago police misconduct attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers are dedicated to helping victims recover damages for injuries caused by cops.
Our Chicago police brutality attorneys understand that police officers and police departments can be just as negligent as other people. Even though the at-fault person is a police officer, it is still possible to pursue justice: a badge is not a barrier to your seeking compensation for the serious injuries and trauma you suffered due to police misconduct. Call today for a free consultation with a Chicago police brutality injury lawyer.
Act Quickly
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against a government agency is one year from the date when the injury occurred, with certain exceptions. It is important to remember that this timeline is often shorter than other types of cases so it’s imperative to act quickly if you are considering filing police misconduct claims or a lawsuit against the officers involved. A police misconduct attorney from our law firm will fight on your behalf for justice.
How to File a Complaint of Police Misconduct
Anyone wishing to file a complaint against a Chicago Police Department Member may submit it to the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) by:
COPA 24-hour Complaint Line
312-743-COPA
(312-743-2672)
COPA Online Complaint Form
The online complaint form takes about thirty minutes to complete, and media files like photos, videos, and audio can be emailed to COPA-info@chicagocopa.org.
By Mail
Civilian Office of Police Accountability
c/o COPA Intake Section
1615 W. Chicago Ave., 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60622
In Person
Please call before an in-person visit, hours of operation are 9:00am to 7:00pm, Monday through Friday.
COPA Main Office
1615 W. Chicago Avenue
4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 746-3609
Who Regulates and Disciplines the CPD Police Force?
The Chicago Police Board is responsible for regulating and disciplining police officers in the City of Chicago. The board is made up of nine members that are appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council.
These members review complaints filed against police officers as well as other police misconduct cases to determine whether an officer should be disciplined or removed from their position when found guilty. Each case goes through a formal hearing process in which both sides present evidence to prove their point before the board makes a decision on what action needs to be taken.
Chicago Police Department Accountability
The Chicago Police Department is no stranger to lawsuits for a variety of reasons and allegations. These types of cases include allegations of civil rights violations, car crashes, death, racial discrimination, sexual harassment suits, sexual assault, racial profiling, and more. The Chicago Police Department’s Accountability Dashboard 1 allows the public to look at the information for each officer misconduct complaint from 2021 to February 10, 2019. The Accountability Dashboard 2 tracks misconduct complaints from February 11, 2019 through to the present.
Accountability Dashboard 2 Statistics
For the first six months of 2023, there were 2,677 complaints with 3,941 allegations of misconduct. The investigation into these complaints resulted in 114 suspensions, 78 reprimands, 14 separations, and 3 resignations.
Lawsuits and Allegations Against the City of Chicago
Since the release of their Accountability Dashboard, the Chicago Police Department has made several changes to its policies and procedures. These changes include more robust body camera programs for police officers, increased transparency in complaint investigations, and a better record-keeping system for tracking complaints against officers.
Additionally, in the last few years there have been sweeping reforms surrounding how state attorneys handle cases involving police brutality and police misconduct. Now, all allegations of excessive force are investigated by independent prosecutors who decide whether to pursue criminal charges against an officer or not.
The High Cost of Lawsuits and Allegations Against the City of Chicago
According to WGN9, from 2016 to April 2023, the city of Chicago has paid more than $578 million in judgments, settlements, and legal fees relating to police misconduct allegations including $155 million paid to defense attorneys.
The City’s 2020 report documents 90 settled and 43 litigated cases with a total payout of $40,460,426.
Of the reportable cases, 61% of all violations alleged against law enforcement officers were for:
- False arrest – 19%
- Excessive force – 17%
- Unlawful search – 13%
- Malicious prosecution – 12%
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