Chicago Police Department Accused of Targeting African Americans Over Guns
As we have previously covered, watchdog organizations and community activists have expressed dissatisfaction with policing practices of the Chicago Police Department (CPD). Now, the department is facing accusations that certain officers are targeting and charging African-American drivers with unlawful possession of firearms in an effort to inflate arrest and recovery numbers, regardless of legal ownership or the exact circumstances that have led to arrests and/or charges. According to a source within the department, an unidentified decorated police veteran of the CPD who spoke with CBS News Chicago, has said that he believes when it comes to the arrests of African Americans for gun crimes after being pulled over for minor traffic infractions that, “You know, if I’m going to be honest, I think race is a big factor. Police might think folks on the North Side are more affluent, and they have more means to come back at you if you arrest them for situations like this.” In one instance, state lawmaker Curtis Tarver was pulled over for a broken taillight, with officers soon asking him if he possessed a valid FOID or CCL, which permits legal gun ownership. Despite immediately turning over his firearm, FOID card and CCL to officers, they arrested him after an online search said his license was actually revoked, which later was revealed to be a mistake. “I was absolutely shocked that I was taken to the station,” Tarver said. “That they were proposing felony charges for something that was, at best, a clerical error.” He was initially only charged with a misdemeanor, which was later dismissed, but his mugshot and arrest were still made public and used against him politically by opponents. Unfortunately, the department does not track how often cases such as these are eventually dismissed, but the anonymous source said that it was not an uncommon practice. “Getting weapons off the street is one of the number one things politicians want you to do, mayors want you to do, superintendents want you to do, citizens want you to do. So, unfortunately, some cops get really aggressive,” the source said, elaborating that high numbers of arrests and firearm recoveries can lead to promotions regardless of the ultimate outcome. Such practices are said to undermine credibility with the public by opponents of such practices and distract them from solving real crimes.
Former Suburban Police Chief Convicted of Federal Bribery Charges
Recently, a federal jury convicted former Summit, Illinois Chief of Police John Kosmowski of federal conspiracy, bribery, and obstruction of justice charges. Kosmowski was convicted of conspiring with a Summit building inspector, William Mundy, to accept $10,000 from a local businessman in order to help them acquire a liquor license in exchange for the bribe. After Kosmowski received the ill-gotten funds, he shared a portion of the proceeds with Mundy. Once he was made aware of the federal investigation, Kosmowski met with Mundy and tried to convince him to mischaracterize the source of his payment to Mundy and tell investigators that it was a loan should he be asked by authorities. Both men await sentencing after their convictions. As we have previously covered however, recent Supreme Court rulings have called into question the reach of some statutes as they relate to acts of public officials, although it is unclear if either defendant in this case plans to challenge their convictions on similar grounds. In either case, anyone who either believes they have been the victim of abuse by law enforcement or public officials, or is accused of violating the law by abusing the trust placed in them by virtue of their position, should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect their rights and interests.
