After A Judge Signed Off On The Consent Decree, What’s Next?

By Meha Ahmad
CPD Car
A CPD car at Stanley's Market on Elston. Paula Friedrich / WBEZ
CPD Car
A CPD car at Stanley's Market on Elston. Paula Friedrich / WBEZ

After A Judge Signed Off On The Consent Decree, What’s Next?

By Meha Ahmad
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In a historic ruling late last week, U.S. District Judge Robert Dow Jr. approved a consent decree between the mayor’s office, the Illinois Attorney General, and the Chicago Police Department.

The move sets in motion a major overhaul of the police department that is several years in the making.

In a joint statement about the final consent decree, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said: “This is a historic day for Chicago and a step towards significant, lasting change.” 

In an op-ed in the Chicago Tribune, former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan called the move “a new beginning.”

WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith joins the Morning Shift to talk about the next steps in police reform.

LEARN MORE: Federal judge approves consent decree to reform Chicago Police Department (USA Today 1/31/19)