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The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is facing renewed scrutiny over its crowd control tactics, particularly in light of recent accusations of excessive force against student protesters and the unveiling of a controversial mass arrest policy. These developments have reignited concerns about the CPD's handling of protests, echoing the criticism it received for its response to protests following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
Recent records from the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) reveal three complaints of excessive force against at least five officers. These complaints stem from the removal of activists protesting outside the Art Institute of Chicago. Sheila Bedi, a professor at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, expressed alarm at what she perceived as escalating actions by CPD officers during protests against the Israel-Gaza war in downtown Chicago. Bedi criticized the officers for using unnecessary force, which she believed increased the risks for both protesters and police.
The CPD's tactics have come under increased scrutiny as tensions rise ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August. There are fears among protesters that they may not have a chance to voice their concerns to President Joe Biden and other party leaders. Democrats are also concerned about a repeat of the 1968 clashes between police and protesters, which drew attention away from the convention and tarnished Chicago's reputation.
The complaints arose during a crackdown on students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, who were calling for the institution to divest from Israel. The police arrested 68 protesters, sparking further debate over the new mass arrest policy.
In response to these developments, Bedi, the local ACLU chapter, and others filed a motion in federal court in April. They argue that the new policy undermines First Amendment protections and could lead to violations of protesters' rights during the DNC.
The city has denied that the mass arrest policy violates the First Amendment and has emphasized its commitment to reform efforts. However, critics argue that the policy's vague language could allow for the suppression of protests and reduce accountability for police use of force.
The complaints detail instances of alleged police violence, including one protester who claims she was hit by an officer and had to be hospitalized. Videos and witness statements also depict aggressive police behavior, leading to injuries and hospitalizations.
Despite the CPD's efforts to enact new policies and reforms following the 2020 protests, critics argue that little has changed in practice. The inspector general's report on the 2020 response highlighted numerous failures, including the failure to document the use of force and the covering of badge numbers by officers.
As preparations for the DNC continue, activists and civil rights advocates are calling for a thorough investigation into the recent complaints and for greater transparency regarding police training and response plans. They stress the importance of learning from past mistakes to ensure that the rights of protesters are protected during the convention.