NEW REPORT: Navigating Chicago’s Investigatory Stop Agreement – A Deep Dive into Community Engagement for Justice
In August of 2015, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Police Department (CPD), and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois (ACLU) forged a crucial agreement. The Investigatory Stop and Protective Pat Down Settlement Agreement aimed to ensure that CPD's policies aligned with the law, fostering a commitment to fair and just interactions between law enforcement and community members.
At the heart of this landmark initiative were organizations like Equiticity, the Lawndale Christian Legal Center, and the Center on Halsted, tasked with co-designing a community-led process. Through this collaborative effort, a diverse array of stakeholders came together to address the complex issues surrounding investigatory stops and protective pat downs.
The insights gained from Black and Brown community members on the South and West sides of Chicago presented several key themes, shedding light on the challenges faced in these neighborhoods—many of which are rooted in a lengthy history of systemic discrimination and violence perpetrated by law enforcement.
Power Imbalance and Fear:
One of the predominant concerns voiced by community members was the pervasive power imbalance and the resulting fear during police interactions. The unsettling dynamic often left residents feeling vulnerable and anxious.
Community-Police Relationships:
The absence or poor quality of community-police relationships emerged as another significant theme. Strengthening these connections became a focal point, recognizing the pivotal role they play in fostering trust and collaboration.
Discrimination in Various Forms:
References to discrimination, including racial profiling, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and the unwarranted targeting of Black and Brown youth, underscored the urgent need for reforms to address systemic biases within law enforcement practices.
Excessive Force and High Police Presence:
Concerns were raised about the perceived use of excessive force and the disproportionately high police presence in these communities, creating an environment of tension and apprehension among residents.
Responsibility and Accountability:
Community members expressed frustration at the responsibility placed on residents to be aware of their rights during police stops. They called for increased accountability for officers and emphasized the need for better transparency in law enforcement procedures.
Building upon these community insights, Equiticity and its project partners developed eight recommendations to present to the City of Chicago and the CPD. These recommendations, grounded in the lived experiences of the community, aim to initiate meaningful policy changes and foster a safer, more equitable environment.
Among the proposed policy changes that the CPD can implement immediately are:
Clarity in Policies:
Requiring officers to immediately identify themselves and explain the reasons for stops, including specific factors of suspicion.
Community Education:
Designating third-party organizations for constitutional rights education in high-stop communities, focusing on schools, churches, and community centers.
Regular Surveys and Performance Reviews:
Conducting regular surveys to gauge awareness of rights in high-stop communities and implementing performance reviews for officers with disciplinary options for unethical behavior.
Ethical Oath Revision:
Considering a revision of the CPD oath to include language promoting honesty, integrity, fairness, and impartiality, similar to the Illinois State Police oath which reads, “I pledge to be honest in thought, word, and deed; to maintain unimpeachable integrity; to be just, fair, and impartial; to be steadfast against evil and its temptations; and to give my utmost to protect the rights, property, and lives of our citizens.”
Review of Existing Practices for Effectiveness:
If current CPD practices already exist or provide for anything included in these recommendations, then CPD should lead a comprehensive review of current practices for effectiveness.
Despite the gravity of these recommendations, the CPD's response in September of 2023 was disheartening. The city acknowledged the work done by community groups but claimed they were already implementing the recommended changes. However, the most critical recommendation, urging a comprehensive review of existing practices for effectiveness, received no response.
Equiticity finds this lack of engagement unacceptable and is now calling for a meeting with CPD Superintendent Snelling and Mayor Brandon Johnson. The objective is to develop a strategy for implementing the reasonable recommendations that directly emanate from community members most impacted by traffic stops.
Equiticity remains steadfast in its commitment to justice and equity in community-police relations. The community-led process and resulting recommendations provide a roadmap for positive change, and it is imperative that the CPD and the city earnestly engage with these proposals to create a safer and more just Chicago for all residents.
You can read the full report here.