When someone falls victim to police brutality, misconduct, or civil rights violations in Chicago, they deserve justice for the harm police officers or other law enforcement officers—like United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents—have done. Achieving justice is hard, especially when victims of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) or ICE misconduct don’t know where to turn. The Chicago police brutality lawyers in our personal injury law firm are committed to helping victims of police misconduct or police shootings in Chicago fight for the justice and compensation they deserve.
What Is Chicago Police or ICE Misconduct?
Misconduct by law enforcement occurs when officers from agencies like CPD or ICE violate your constitutional or civil rights. These violations can include excessive force, false arrest, unlawful searches, malicious prosecution, retaliation, or discriminatory enforcement.
How Common Is Police Misconduct in Chicago?
Police misconduct remains a significant issue in Chicago, with thousands of complaints filed against officers each year. In 2024, the city paid a record $107.5 million to resolve 122 police misconduct lawsuits.
How Can Victims Get Help?
Victims have rights and can seek accountability through oversight bodies.
Chicago Police Department Actions
- The Civilian Office of Police Accountability: COPA is Chicago’s independent agency that investigates complaints of misconduct or police abuse against Chicago Police Department officers.
- The Chicago Police Board: CPB is an independent civilian body that decides disciplinary cases involving Chicago police officers.
Federal Agent Misconduct Actions
For misconduct by federal agents, such as those with ICE, the process is different. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) is an independent watchdog that investigates abuse and misconduct within DHS agencies. You can file a complaint directly through the DHS OIG complaint portal.
Rendición de cuentas del Departamento de Policía de Chicago
Common Types of Misconduct Cases
Common examples of misconduct cases include:
- Excessive use of force: more force than reasonably necessary
- False arrest: detained without legal cause or probable cause
- Illegal search or seizure: search without warrant or valid basis
- Malicious prosecution: charges without cause, later dismissed
- Police shootings: wrongful firearm discharge causing harm
- Failure to intervene: an officer doesn’t stop another’s misconduct
- Recording retaliation: being punished for lawfully filming police
- Racial profiling: stops or searches based on race or ethnicity
- Denial of medical care: withholding needed care in custody
- ICE misconduct: warrantless raids, resisting arrest, unlawful detainers, excessive force
Cómo presentar una denuncia por mala conducta policial
Anyone with a police misconduct claim wishing to file a complaint against a Chicago Police Department member may submit it to COPA via:
COPA 24-Hour Complaint Line
312-743-COPA (312-743-2672); TTY 312-746-3598
Formulario de denuncia en línea COPA
El formulario de denuncia en línea se rellena en unos treinta minutos, y los archivos multimedia, como fotos, vídeos y audio, pueden enviarse por correo electrónico a COPA-info@chicagocopa.org.
Mail
Civilian Office of Police Accountability c/o COPA Intake Section
1615 W. Chicago Ave., 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60622
En persona
Please call before an in-person visit. The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
COPA Main Office
1615 W. Chicago Avenue, 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60622
312-746-3609
How to Get Help If You Are Injured by a Chicago Police Officer
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries due to Chicago law enforcement officials’ brutality or misconduct, you may be entitled to compensation. The Chicago police misconduct lawyers in our law firm represent many victims in cases ranging from traffic stop injuries to sexual assault to wrongful death, pursuing damages even when the at-fault party is a police officer. Contact our Chicago police brutality attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your police misconduct case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for police brutality victims filing a lawsuit against a government agency is one year from the date when the injury occurred, with certain exceptions. Reach out to an experienced attorney to start your civil rights lawsuit today.
(312) 223-1700