CHICAGO (AP) - Researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago are releasing a study that cites 300 cases of Chicago police officers convicted in the last 50 years of serious crimes ranging from murder to running a ring of jewel thieves.

The study catalogues some of the most infamous incidents that have contributed to a reputation for misconduct, brutality and cover-ups that's dogged the department for decades.

The City Council is expected to vote Thursday on the settlement of two police misconduct lawsuits for a total of $33 million. The authors recommend a new, elected police board and more ethics training for officers.

Police officials say the department already has made significant changes leading to better oversight of officers and that there have been far fewer cases in recent years.
Copyright © 2013 Associated Press
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Ald Moore says the police 'code of silence' needs to stop and says police corruption has cost the city 100s of millions of dollars

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Ald. and UIC Profs call for creation of new Police Board. Rpt: Board overturns Supt discipline recos 63% of time twitter.com/dailyedwardian…

— Steve Edwards (@dailyedwardian) January 17, 2013