As the police surveillance state expands daily, these stories are becoming routine, and the reach of government tracking of average citizens gets a little wider everyday. [Read more…]
Emanuel Praises New Police Approach Amidst Rising Homicide Rate
Through the end of June, homicides were up 37 percent in Chicago when compared with last year. But crime overall was down, leaving Mayor Rahm Emanuel to sing the praises of his new policing approach, launched in January. [Read more…]
Chicago Cops Won’t Respond to All Calls
It’s a little unnerving to think that you might call 911 and be told the cops aren’t coming. But Chicago is joining a large number of metropolitan police forces who simply can’t respond to all calls. So, like other large police departments, they simply won’t. [Read more…]
Marijuana Possession Decriminalized in Chicago
A ordinance passed this week in the city of Chicago reduces the penalty you’ll face if you are caught in possession of marijuana. The change follows similar such ordinances in several large cities across the nation. Now, if you are found in possession of less than 15 grams (or a half-ounce) of marijuana, police can issue a ticket rather than arresting you. [Read more…]
Judge Rules Chicago Gun Ban Unconstitutional
A federal judge struck down part of the Chicago firearm ordinance this week. U.S. District Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan said the ordinance, which bans weapons permits for those convicted of “unlawful use of a weapon,” is vague and unconstitutional. Now the city can appeal the ruling or change the ordinance. [Read more…]
Troubled Chicago Cops Not Being Held Responsible for Abuses
The Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) was created in 2007 to replace the Office of Professional Standards. Their job since their creation has been to review allegations of police misconduct and restore the public’s confidence that troubled officers would be handled swiftly. So far, they’ve fallen short—taking up to 6 years to investigate cases resulting in several of them being dismissed altogether. [Read more…]
Theft Rings Hitting Chicago Hard
Organized retail theft is growing across the country, and Chicago is one of several cities being hit particularly hard. According to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago joins cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, and Baltimore/DC in the top ten cities where retail theft rings are operating. [Read more…]
Cop Charged with False Arrest of Neighbor
On November 16, 2011, Officer Luke Tillman with the Collinsville Police Department pulled over his neighbor Cheryl Helfrich, just outside of the city limits. He arrested and charged her with a felony. But now it’s Officer Tillman who faces charges, for the unlawful arrest and detention of Helfrich. [Read more…]
Chicago Police Crack Down on Gangs, Use Facebook
Memorial Day weekend was a deadly one for the city of Chicago. Ten people were killed and 43 were shot over the long weekend. This is a marked increase from last year, when four were killed on the holiday weekend. Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced city police will be focusing more on gangs in an effort to reduce gun violence in the city. [Read more…]
Higher Crime in Communities with CHA Residents
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) promised that their voucher-relocation program did not increase crime rates in neighborhoods where former CHA residents moved. But new data suggests they were wrong. [Read more…]