Chip Mitchell
Reporter, Criminal Justice
Eileen O’Neill Burke is talking up protections for kids during police interrogations. But the former prosecutor is tied to a Black child’s wrongful conviction.
Updated Dec 19, 2023
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Video footage of a Waukegan teen’s false confession has both Democratic candidates for Cook County top prosecutor talking up legislation.
Dec 15, 2023
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Stepping closer to a court fight, the council voted Wednesday against allowing cops to contest the most serious discipline behind closed doors.
Updated Dec 13, 2023
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Judges have tossed 230 convictions tied to former Sgt. Ronald Watts. As the city negotiates a settlement with exonerees, WBEZ estimates the price.
Dec 7, 2023
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Alderpersons were expected to vote Wednesday on whether to let cops contest firings and long suspensions behind closed doors.
Updated Jan 24, 2024
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Waller, a self-described “old school” former cop, is now a top deputy to Superintendent Larry Snelling, who is refining his plans for the city’s policing.
Nov 2, 2023
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Carmelita Earls is one of 65 district council members elected this year to air concerns about policing. “People have to take ownership,” she said.
Oct 20, 2023
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It’s one of the jail’s smallest populations in decades, but it could swell again as defendants deemed too risky to release remain locked up.
Oct 11, 2023
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The full council could confirm Larry Snelling as soon as next Wednesday.
Sept 22, 2023
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Illinois is the first state in the U.S. to abolish cash bail. The historic change took effect on Monday, prompting confusion and long days.
Sept 19, 2023
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