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Criminal Justice

Police Accountability in Chicago

Monitoring the Chicago Police Department

The Chicago Police Department is among the largest law enforcement agencies in the United States. We have investigated the city’s new police oversight agency, the department’s disciplinary system and a secretive appeals systems.

7 stories published since 2017

A Chicago Cop’s Facebook Posts and a City’s Struggle With Racism

Chicago Cop Under Investigation Again Over Social Media Posts

Chicago Police Win Big When Appealing Discipline

Chicago Police Department Grievances

Police Oversight Ordinance Promised Transparency But Doesn’t Fully Deliver

Returning to the Scene of a Trauma

Chicago Police Skirt Punishment as Disciplinary System Fails Yet Again

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

If you don’t have a specific tip or story in mind, we could still use your help. Sign up to be a member of our federal worker source network to stay in touch.

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