The ACLU of Illinois historically has confronted policing practices and attitudes entrenched in many municipalities that result in reprehensible and unconstitutional racially-biased policing. Many police agencies–especially in Chicago–are broken and need sustained, focused attention with court oversight to be reformed. The ACLU of Illinois is committed to this process, and to seeing reforms through. We are working to change official and unofficial policies that protect officers engaged in abuse and misconduct against residents. These problems have been especially troubling historically in communities of color. The ACLU of Illinois believes that we can build a police system that encourages and respects each individual, welcomes community involvement and serves every neighborhood.
Police Practices and Racial Justice
Demand Chicago Police Reform Now
July 18, 2018
Prentiss Jackson v. USA, Illinois v. Ryan Don Shavor Redmond, and Illinois v. Vincent E. Molina
October 3, 2023Wilkins v. Chicago
June 27, 2023Campos v. City of Chicago
May 26, 2022
ACLU of Illinois v. Chicago Police Department
July 26, 2021Butler v. Staes
February 3, 2020ACLU of Illinois v. City of Chicago
February 20, 2019
HB 1727: The Bad Apples in Law Enforcement Accountability Act
January 21, 2022HB 1727: The Bad Apples in Law Enforcement Accountability Act
March 15, 2021
The Latest

Black and Brown Chicagoans Testify in Court About Police Harassment...
January 24, 2023
Racially Disproportionate Traffic Stops Do Not Make Chicago...
August 10, 2022
Chicago Latina files lawsuit against Chicago Police challenging...
May 26, 2022
Broad Alliance Opposes Proposed Gang Asset Forfeiture Ordinance
January 13, 2022
Settlement Reached in Case Challenging Chicago Police Deployment
November 17, 2021
Opposing the Proposed City of Chicago “Victims’ Justice Ordinance”
October 25, 2021
ACLU of Illinois Responds to Mayor Lightfoot’s Proposal to Use...
September 14, 2021