BLISTERING

Report: Chicago PD Must Face Racist Past

Task force recommends massive overhaul, transparency.

An accountability task force is expected to release a report this week recommending sweeping reforms to the Chicago Police Department for what it describes as its “broken” system. A draft of the report, which has been submitted to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, insists the department “acknowledge its racist history and overhaul its handling of excessive-force allegations.” The findings come after Emanuel fired Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy, who, along with the city, faced public backlash over the release of a video showing a white police officer shooting black teen Laquan McDonald 16 times. The findings recommend replacing the Independent Police Review Authority, which investigates officer misconduct, with a “fully transparent and accountable civilian agency.” The report also suggests creating the role of deputy chief of diversity and inclusion.