Story by 89 WLS reporter Bill Cameron
The City Council has just approved those very expensive legal settlements for misconduct by Chicago police.

Here at City Hall, the approval of nearly $33 million for two cases of police misconduct produced emotional debate. West Side Alderman Emma Mitts said she needed to vent about the 26 years in prison Alton Logan spent for a crime he didn't commit, "There's much more work that we need to do that this never ever, ever, ever happen again in life because it's a reflection on my people! And I've come out of slavery! I'm not in slavery no more! We are free!"

Meantime, a new UIC study is reporting 300 cases of police misconduct since 1960 and is recommending the police board be replaced or turned into an elected body.

Related Story: Researchers release study on Chicago PD corruption

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CHICAGO (AP) - Family members of a California woman who was raped and injured after Chicago police released her from custody say $22.5 million in settlement money will be enough to pay for extensive therapy.

Family members of Christina Eilman said in a statement Thursday that having the Chicago City Council approve the settlement was a "bittersweet victory." The settlement is believed to be the largest to an individual in a police misconduct case.

Eilman's mother and stepfather, Kathleen and Richard Paine, say "no amount of money" will bring back the daughter they knew. But they say the settlement will give her enough money to pay for the extensive therapy she needs.

Chicago Alderman Ed Burke says the city could have lost up to $80 million if the case had gone to trial.

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CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago City Council has approved paying $22.5 million to a woman who was raped and fell from a seventh story window after she was released from police custody even though she was clearly mentally ill.

The aldermen on Thursday voted unanimously in favor of what's believed to the largest settlement to an individual in a police misconduct case. The council also agreed to pay $10.25 million to a man who spent 26 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit.

The vote comes just days before jury selection was to begin in the lawsuit brought by Christina Eilman's family and as attorneys were preparing for a trial in the lawsuit brought by Alton Logan.
Copyright © 2013 Associated Press