Crimes By Police In Cook County Can Now Be Reported Online

CHICAGO — Allegations of criminal misconduct by police in Cook County can now be referred to prosecutors over the internet after State's Attorney Kim Foxx announced a new tool for people who believe officers have broken the law to report incidents and submit evidence via an online form.

County prosecutors are responsible with investigating reports of crimes by officers, including filing false reports, using excessive force, driving recklessly and bribery. Complaints that allege non-criminal misconduct — like discrimination, sexual harassment, drinking on duty — are handled by internal affairs units in suburban police departments and, within Chicago, by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.

“As we see an increase in allegations of police criminal misconduct, it is our obligation to provide an outlet where these serious concerns can be acknowledged and addressed in a timely way,” Foxx said in a statement. “This tool will allow direct access to the State’s Attorney’s Office and offer an immediate resource as we work to increase accountability and equity in our justice system."

Launched Thursday, the Police Criminal Misconduct Complaint Form is aimed at increasing police accountability and making communities safer, according to Foxx's office. It allows people to submit details of incidents and upload photo or video evidence of alleged misconduct online for the first time.

Submissions will be reviewed by prosecutors in the law enforcement accountability division of the state's attorney's office, according to Foxx's office.

An assistant state's attorney in the division assigned to the case is tasked with determining whether a criminal investigation should be opened in to the incident or it should be closed without additional review, according to the state's attorney's office.

Either way, the person who submitted the online complaint will be notified by email.