Illinois state Attorney General Lisa Madigan requested late Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Justice investigate the Chicago Police Department on potential violations of the U.S. Constitution and federal law.
Ms. Madigan cited issues surrounding the department’s use of force, reports of misconduct, and questions about its training and safety practices, among other issues.
In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Ms. Madigan advised that a Civil Rights Division investigation was necessary, urgent and appropriate, reasoning that the agency was suited for such an inquiry after having previously investigated former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge, as well as other police departments across the nation.
“The shocking death of Laquan McDonald is the latest tragedy in our city that highlights the serious questions about the use of unlawful and excessive force by Chicago police officer and the lack of accountability for such abuse. Trust in the Chicago Police Department is broken,” Ms. Madigan said in a statement.
“Chicago cannot move ahead and rebuild trust between the police and the community without an outside, independent investigation into its police department to improve policing practices. I know the vast majority of officers in the Chicago Police Department serve with bravery, honor and integrity. The children in all Chicago’s communities deserve to grow up in a city in which they are protected and served by the police,” she said.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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