Justice Department launches civil rights probe of Chicago police

Because of the delayed release of a video showing a white Chicago police officer shooting a black teenager 16 times, the Justice Department has decided to run an investigation of the Chicago police department. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch is opening an investigation into their "use of deadly force" and "its accountability mechanisms." The probe, Lunch said, will determine whether Chicago police have "engaged in a pattern or practice of violations of the Constitution or federal law." "Our goal in this investigation... is not to focus on individuals but to improve systems. We understand that the same systems that fail community members also fail conscientious officers by creating mistrust between law enforcement and the citizens they are sworn to serve and protect," she says. "This mistrust from members of the community makes it more difficult to gain help with investigations, to encourage victims and witnesses of crimes to speak up, and to fulfill the most basic responsibilities of public safety officials," Lynch said. "And when suspicion and hostility is allowed to fester, it can erupt into unrest." Due to the recent string of big civil rights cases, this one calls for attention and investigation immediately. The Chicago City Council signed off on a $5 million settlement with McDonald's family even before the family filed a lawsuit, and city officials fought in court for months to keep the video from being released publicly. The city's early efforts to suppress its release coincided with Emanuel's re-election campaign, when the mayor was seeking African-American votes in a tight race.I have a lot of problems with this story. I wish that cases like this weren't so blown up but I recognize why they have to be. However, I think a negative effect of media focus on these types of things is when college students take things into their own hands "defending justice" and what not. I believe the policeman should be fired and their justice system should be changed. There's a lot of old systems and rules about law enforcement nationwide that are out of date and need to be adjusted.