(CHICAGO) Mayor Rahm Emanuel says Chicago will push ahead with police reforms, regardless of the outcome of a U.S. Justice Department probe.
Thursday is the anniversary of the release of a video showing a Chicago officer fatally shooting black teenager Laquan McDonald 16 times. The Justice Department investigation is expected to wrap up early next year, with enforcement of its recommendations likely left to President-elect Donald Trump’s appointees.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Emanuel pointed to various initiatives already underway aimed at restoring public trust in the force.
Those initiatives include equipping more officers with body cameras and stun guns to help cut down on deadly police shootings, as well as the City Council’s approval of his proposed new agency to investigate police shootings and misconduct allegations.
Critics have questioned whether that agency will be sufficiently independent.
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