New ACLU Lawsuit Alleges CPD Mistreats Mentally Ill, People With Disabilities

By Daniel Tucker, Tony Sarabia
American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois attorney Karen Sheley stands at the podium to announce a new lawsuit against the city of Chicago on behalf of community groups and disability advocates.
American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois attorney Karen Sheley stands at the podium Wednesday, October 4, 2017 to announce a new lawsuit against the city of Chicago on behalf of community groups and disability advocates. The federal lawsuit was the third one filed that attempts to force federal oversight of the Chicago Police Department. Patrick Smith
American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois attorney Karen Sheley stands at the podium to announce a new lawsuit against the city of Chicago on behalf of community groups and disability advocates.
American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois attorney Karen Sheley stands at the podium Wednesday, October 4, 2017 to announce a new lawsuit against the city of Chicago on behalf of community groups and disability advocates. The federal lawsuit was the third one filed that attempts to force federal oversight of the Chicago Police Department. Patrick Smith

New ACLU Lawsuit Alleges CPD Mistreats Mentally Ill, People With Disabilities

By Daniel Tucker, Tony Sarabia
WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

The Illinois chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union sued the Chicago Police Department Wednesday, alleging that CPD has mistreated people with mental illness and developmental disabilities. 

As the ACLU points out, a disproportionate percentage of people shot by police have either a mental illness or a disability, and the ACLU says that is also the case for people shot with Tasers or subjected to other nonlethal force. The suit is similar in tone to two other recent lawsuits filed against the department. The ACLU is calling for a permanent injunction to the use of unlawful force against Latinos, African-Americans and any person with a mental illness or disability. 

Morning Shift talks to WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith about this latest lawsuit that seeks to hold the CPD accountable.