Final Report – Chicago Police Department’s Search Warrant Process
Summary
The Public Safety section of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted an inquiry into search warrant processes by the Chicago Police Department. Arising from its long-term, programmatic inquiry into this topic, OIG published two interim reports in advance of this final report: first, in January 2021, and second, in May 2021.
Executive Summary
In recent years, CPD and its search warrant practices have been the focus of a great deal of public attention, fueling local debate and as part of a national conversation about police search warrant practices and reform. Since 2018, local media outlets have identified and reported on instances of problematic service tactics used during CPD’s service of residential search warrants, including instances in which CPD members pointed firearms at children and/or warrants were served at incorrect locations. Arising from its long-term, programmatic inquiry into this topic, OIG published two interim reports in advance of this final report: first, in January 2021, OIG published recommendations to CPD recommending urgent changes to the Department’s search warrants policy; and second, in May 2021, OIG published an analysis of data on CPD’s residential search warrants.
Subscribe to the OIG Bulletin to get notified about future publications.
