BGA/WBEZ investigation into failed oversight of errant police shootings in Cook County leads to new law forcing investigations.
Casey Toner
Casey Toner, a Chicago native, has been an Illinois Answers reporter since 2016, taking the lead on numerous projects about criminal justice and politics. His series on police shootings in suburban Cook County resulted in a state law requiring procedural investigations of all police shootings in Illinois. Before he joined Illinois Answers, he wrote for the Daily Southtown and was a statewide reporter for Alabama Media Group, a consortium of Alabama newspapers. Outside of work, he enjoys watching soccer and writing music.
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.
Fact-Check: Is the ACLU Really to Blame for Chicago’s Murder Spike?
Attorney General Jeff Sessions recently cited an academic study that claims a surge in deadly violence in Chicago was caused by ACLU pressure to end the city’s stop-and-frisk policing policy. Experts say the study is flawed and ignores other critical factors.
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.
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.
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.
Sheriff Offers Help in Probing Suburban Police Shootings
Prompted by BGA/WBEZ series, Tom Dart tells suburban chiefs that his office is available to conduct investigations into whether officers act properly in shooting incidents.
Settlement Approved In Police Shooting Involving Gun That Judge Turned In 8 Years Earlier
The family of a 22-year-old who was fatally shot by a Cicero police officer will receive $3.1 million from the suburb. Next to the victim’s dead body was the .38 caliber revolver that a Cook County judge turned in to a Chicago gun buyback years earlier.
Journey Of A Judge’s Gun From Chicago Buyback To Cicero Police Shooting
A Cook County judge turned a gun in to Chicago police as part of a buyback program 13 years ago. The gun mysteriously turned up eight years later next to the body of a young man shot to death by a Cicero police officer. Cicero officials are now poised to write a $3.5 million settlement check to members of the dead man’s family.
Park District Police: Costly And Questionably Redundant
A handful of Illinois park districts operate taxpayer-funded police forces separate from the regular police departments that already patrol the same communities. With badges sometimes handed to the well-connected, the practice raises questions of redundancy, liability, nepotism and expense.