The debate over police actions, tactics and discipline may seem like a big-city problem, but in the Cook County suburbs high-profile cases show a pattern of no discipline or criminal charges for officers.
Jared Rutecki
Jared Rutecki was an investigative reporter and data coordinator at the Illinois Answers Project (previously known as the Better Government Association) from 2016 to 2023.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Tiroteos Policiales en Suburbios Son Rara Vez Investigados o Sancionados
El debate sobre las acciones policiales, las tácticas y la disciplina puede parecer un problema de las grandes ciudades, pero en los suburbios del condado de Cook los casos de alto perfil muestran un patrón de no disciplina o cargos criminales para los oficiales.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Pressure on Property Taxes Mounts for Towns Across Illinois Amid Pension Burden
Police and fire pension costs in towns and larger cities outside Chicago have grown at a greater rate than property taxes. That is forcing some city leaders to make tough decisions on services and staff.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Auxiliary Officers Pose Risks in Illinois Towns
Armed with guns and badges but little training, civilian officers provide a less-expensive alternative for law enforcement agencies. But problems at some local departments help illustrate a controversial issue shaded by nepotism, politics and questionable policing.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Taxpayer Tab for Chicago-area #MeToo Cases $55 Million and Growing
Legal costs mount as hundreds of public bodies in the Chicago region over the last decade have faced allegations of sexual assault, harassment or abuse.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Rauner Signs Suburban Police Shooting Reform Bill Into Law
BGA/WBEZ investigation into failed oversight of errant police shootings in Cook County leads to new law forcing investigations.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Police Shooting Bill Goes To Governor’s Desk
Legislation passes the Illinois House after a BGA/WBEZ investigation exposed how suburban police were not disciplined despite questionable shootings.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Police Shooting Bill On Fast-track Because It Changes Little
A BGA/WBEZ probe revealed suburban police are never disciplined for shooting people despite dozens of questionable incidents. Legislation to address the problem is meeting little resistance in Springfield but imposes only minor reforms.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Police Shooting Reviews Mandated Under Bill That Passes Senate
Following a BGA/WBEZ investigation, the legislation would require all local police agencies to scrutinize the actions of officers who shoot civilians and, sometimes, fellow police.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Lawmakers Seek Broader Reviews of Suburban Police Shootings
Following a BGA/WBEZ investigative series, members of the Illinois black legislative caucus vow a push to mandate reviews of whether officers who shoot citizens violated policies or best practices.
