Violent Chicago cops go unpunished

The Chicago Police Department has one of the worst records of abuse and violence in the country. It also has the

lowest rate of punishment for its many crimes.

According to a recent report from the University of Chicago, 1,774 brutality complaints were filed every year from 1999 to 2004.

From 2002 to 2004, people filed 10,149 complaints of excessive force, false arrest, illegal searches, sexual abuse and racist harassment. However, the Chicago PD deemed only one percent of these complaints worthy of punishment. Only 19 of the complaints led to suspensions.

According to the report, the patterns of police abuse and disciplinary neglect are greatest in working-class areas.

Nationally, police departments average 9.5 excessive force complaints per 100 full-time officers. In 2002, across the nation, the cops only found 8 percent of complaints worthy to become actual cases against violent police.

The numbers are shocking, but Chicago cops lead the pack in committing acts of violence with impunity.

Police cannot be allowed police themselves under capitalism. Their role is to enforce oppression and ensure that working-class people do not challenge the system.