In 2002, Chicago was the host city for the large TransAtlantic Business Dialogue gathering. Prior to the arrival of the foreign business representatives and government officials, Chicago police allegedly spied on antiwar groups and likely protestors to uncover their plans.

Upon learning of the CPD’s actions, the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization, filed a lawsuit over the police investigation.

Jennifer Hoyle, spokeswoman for the city’s Law Department, says the city has settled the case for $12,500. Additionally, she says that the ACLU and the city have agreed to announce that the American Friends Service Committee was not found committing any crime by the police.

But the ACLU’s legal director says that’s not enough. Harvey Grossman wants more restrictions in place so that such an event can’t occur again.

“We have really lacked standards in Chicago to control or limit the police department from surveilling the lawful political activity of people,” he said.

Grossman is asking Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel to put a tighter leash on police spying. Normal citizens shouldn’t be targeted without any rationale, he says. The police must first have a motive.

ACLU, antiwar group reach settlement over police spying | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The local contender is said to be Al Wysinger, the current Deputy Chief of Detectives for the Chicago Police who has also served as district commander and an expert on gang crimes in the past.

Wysinger was honored in 2007 for chasing and capturing an assailant who had shot a woman. Wysinger had heard the gunshots go off near the neighborhood where his grandmother was holding a birthday party.

One of the out-of-state candidates is reportedly Gil Kerlikoswke, the current Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Prior to being selected by President Obama as the Drug Czar, Kerlikoswke served as chief of the Seattle police. He has also served on the police forces in Buffalo, N.Y. and several Florida cities.

The other outsider is said to be N.J. police chief Garry McCarthy. McCarthy was also a contender for the Chicago superintendent job in 2003. Upon losing out to Phil Cline that year, McCarthy claimed the selection procedure was biased towards Chicago insiders.

Ultimately, having strong ties to the city is the most significant attribute for the new superintendent to have, says Richard Brzeczek, who was once also the top cop.

Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel would like to see a new superintendent selected by May 16 when he takes office.

Three candidates vying for police superintendent job | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Memorial 5k run/walk is open to everyone and honors Chicago’s finest that gave their lives in the line of duty

The seventh annual 5k “Run to Remember,” organized every spring by the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, will be held April 30 at Gold Star Families Memorial and Park to honor Chicago Police officers that gave their lives in the line and performance of duty.

Registration in only $35 through April 28 and includes a Nike Technical T-shirt. Event directly supports the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, one of the most worthy causes in Chicago, and features race-day DJ, post-race massage, raffle and other entertainment including Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, K9, Forensic, Helicopter and Mounted Unit demos.

Runners and walkers can request their fallen hero’s name on their commemorative bib and run or walk in their memory for no additional cost. Any police or fire agency’s fallen hero’s name can be placed on the bib.

The USATF sanctioned and certified (IL09035JW) chrono-timed 5k run course begins on Museum Campus Drive, heads north along the lakefront path, loops back on the harbor walk, and finishes at Gold Star Park. Water is provided. Review the official course map for more information.

Can’t attend the event?

You can still support this cause and the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation by making a donation!

The details:

Date:
Saturday, April 30, 2011 @ 8:00 AM
Step off at 8:00AM; Race day registration begins 6:30AM

Address:
Gold Star Families Park/SoldierField
1420 S. Museum Campus Drive

Fees:
$35.00 beofre April 28. $45.00 Race day.
JUNIOR JOG $10.00.  100-yard dash (age 12 and up) $10.

Registration Closing Date:
Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Cause:
551 Chicago Police officers have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in the line and performance of duty. The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance to the families of our fallen heroes, as well as providing assistance to catastrophically injured officers. The event is held at Gold Star Families Memorial and Park, which honors the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting the citizens of Chicago.

Visit http://www.cpdmemorial.org/run for more information and to register for this event!

‘Run to Remember’ fallen Chicago Police officers April 30 | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Officer John Mirabelli, a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department, said 53-year-old James Minter of the city’s South Side fell under the wheels of the bus near Harrison Street and Ashland Avenue Thursday afternoon.

A spokesman for the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office says Minter was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.

CTA spokeswoman Wanda Taylor says the northbound Ashland Avenue bus was leaving the intersection after getting a green light when Minter either slipped or fell under the rear wheels.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Chicago man dies trying to catch bus | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Detectives and community policing volunteers left business cards and information on ways to report tips.  Ald. Sandi Jackson (7) said that block clubs and active community policing workshops are the only ways to curb the violence in the area.

Claudius Johnson has lived on the 8000 block of South Manistee Avenue for 35 years, and said the area more recently has had its good days and bad days, but said he’s seen a pattern.

“I think we should have this every day,” Johnson said of the saturation police patrol in the area.  “It seems like the police and the gunfire never come together at the same time.  When you call the police, they’re too late to get here…when they get here everything is all quiet again.”

Dorothy Washington organized girls in the neighborhood to write victim Desaree Sanders and her parents expressing their prayers and good wishes.  But she said she is too scared to let her own six children, ages 8 through 18, to play outside.

“It’s sad,” she said.  “This is our neighborhood and our kids can’t even be safe in our own neighborhood.”

One teen said she’s hoping Desaree has a miraculous full recovery, and said it makes no sense to shoot up the neighborhood “over nothing.”

Two people police questioned shortly after the shooting were released from custody Wednesday night.

Desaree was riding her scooter on the sidewalk and hoped to visit with her grandmother.  Instead, she was shot in the forehead and doctors at the University of Chicago Comer’s Children’s Hospital said that she may lose the sight in one of her eyes.  Doctors also are keeping a close eye on pressure in her brain after being shot in the head.

“The doctors said the bullet didn’t touch her brain,” the girl’s grandfather, Nelson Edwards, told the Chicago Tribune. “We’re praying that’s what happened.”

Bob Roberts reporting

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Cops go door-to-door looking for girl’s shooter | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

HAROLD BECK, 57 years of age, 6525 Stanley, Berwyn, was arrested yesterday afternoon. According to the complaint, BECK entered the TCF Bank branch at around 11:03 a.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2010, handed the teller a note announcing a robbery, and threatened harm if his demands for cash were not met.

BECK implied he had a weapon, although none was observed. After receiving approximately $3,269 in cash, the robber fled the bank on foot.

One of the tellers observed BECK get into a green, older-model Dodge minivan,and leave the bank parking lot. Within 15 minutes of the robbery, an officer of the Elmhurst Police Department received a radio dispatch describing the getaway vehicle and soon after spotted a minivan matching the description. The officer stopped the vehicle.

A person later identified as BECK was observed driving the green Dodge minivan and was later arrested.

Subsequent investigation by the Chicago FBI and the Elmhurst Police developed additional evidence linking BECK to the robbery and the filing of charges today. Though not charged, BECK is also the suspect in 12 other bank robberies in Chicago and the western suburbs dating back to December 2007.

BECK appeared before Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole earlier today, at which time he was formerly charged. BECK was ordered held without bond pending his next court appearance and will be housed at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, Illinois. If convicted of the charge filed against him, BECK faces a sentence of up to 20 years’ incarceration.

Additional information about this and other recent Chicago-area bank robberies, including downloadable photographs, is available at the Bandit Tracker Web site, bandittrackerchicago.com.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Copies of the criminal complaint are available from the Chicago FBI’s press office at (312) 829-1199.

TCF Bank robbery suspect arrested | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The first is Sandra La Porta, and the second is a police dog named Lakos, whose nine years working with La Porta translates to 63 years in the canine world.

At a ceremony at police headquarters Monday, La Porta talked about a partnership in which Lakos sniffed out $2.1 million in cash that was tainted with narcotics and narcotics with a street value of $1.4 million.

She also says Lakos – who brought a rubber bone to the ceremony – saved her life twice when dogs tried to attack her. Once, she says, Lakos jumped in front of her and fought with two pit bulls intent on mauling the officer.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Police pooch retires with 63 dog-years on the job | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The man, an unknown white male, exposed himself on Feb. 27 at 8:15 a.m. in the area of 1900 W. 33rd St., according to a release from Deering District police.

The man is between 25 and 30 years of age, 5-foot-7, and 160 pounds with a medium complexion and medium-length hair style. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black hooded jacket, and driving a grey four-door hatchback Honda with a model year between 2005 and 2009.

Anyone with information about this man is asked to call Wentworth Area detectives at 312-747-8380.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Residents alerted to indecent exposure incident | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Chicago Police Sgt. Mike Partipilo said Wednesday he has been chosen to lead the training of 3,000 officers in the use of Tasers as an alternative to guns and batons in subduing uncooperative suspects.

The department already has 280 Tasers that are in the hands of sergeants and field training officers, but under the new plans, another 380 Tasers will soon be carried in cars used by beat officers and tactical units.

The announcement came just hours after the death of a 31-year-old man after he was Tasered by police in the southern Chicago suburb of Midlothian.

Authorities say Jaesun Ingles of Riverdale, died after he was Tasered outside a Dunkin’ Donuts shop early Wednesday morning.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

All Chicago Police cars to soon carry Tasers | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Mayor Richard Daley says he’s optimistic Chicago will prevail against what he calls the gun industry’s challenge to the city’s handgun laws.

He spoke at a news conference Monday, a day before the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on the constitutionality of Chicago’s handgun ban.

Daley says cities and states should be able to decide how best to protect their citizens. He fears the case before the Supreme Court could cause needless legal challenges to other laws nationwide.

Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis attended the same news conference.

He says his biggest concern if Chicago laws are struck down is the threat his officers could face every time they respond to a domestic disturbance.

Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

Daley: City will prevail in handgun case | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

He spoke at a news conference Monday, a day before the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on the constitutionality of Chicago’s handgun ban.

Daley says cities and states should be able to decide how best to protect their citizens. He fears the case before the Supreme Court could cause needless legal challenges to other laws nationwide.

Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis attended the same news conference.

He says his biggest concern if Chicago laws are struck down is the threat his officers could face every time they respond to a domestic disturbance.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Daley: Optimistic city will prevail in gun case | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Nieja Patterson, 14, was last seen at 5:15 p.m. Feb. 26 walking from 6614 S. Bishop St. to South Ada Street – about two blocks east, according to a missing person release from Wentworth Area detectives.

Nieja is described as a 5-feet, 4-inch, 115-pound black girl with a medium complexion, brown hair and brown eyes, the release said.

The Perspectives High School student was last seen wearing a black sweater, black coat, black jeans with a red design on the back pockets and black gym shoes, according to the release. She was wearing her hair in a ponytail with bangs.

Anyone who sees Nieja is asked to call 911 or Wentworth Area detectives at (312) 747-8385.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Police seek teen missing from South Side | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Haymaker, the father of three, was a former minister and was active at Bethel.

An officer who had worked under Haymaker since Haymaker transferred into the 23rd District in December, Angelo Sanchez, said Haymaker worked well with his fellow officers and immediately became quite popular.

“(He was) a very, very understanding person,” Sanchez said. “You could talk to him about anything. He was very devoted to his family, very devoted to God. If you had any type of issue, you could meet up with him at any time of the night, and he would listen to you.”

Sanchez said that Haymaker’s training as a minister made him capable of relating to people much better than others “without that experience.”

Visitation for Haymaker will resume at the church at 10 a.m. Friday, with a funeral service starting at 11 a.m.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Police pay respects to fallen officer | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Larry Brown, 28, of the 16500 block of Park Avenue in Markham, was charged with burglary and obstructing identification in connection with the burglary Monday morning of a cellular phone store in the 3100 block of North Clark Street, police said in a news release.

Brown is expected to appear in felony bond court today.

•Read the article remembering Sgt. Alan Haymaker from Sun Times Media here.

Police Supt. Jody Weis said earlier this week that prosecutors might charge anyone involved in the burglary with felony murder, based on the legal theory that the commission of the burglary led to the death of Haymaker.

But a spokeswoman for the Cook County state’s attorney’s office said such a charge is not likely.

There is not sufficient legal basis to charge the offender … in connection with the death of officer Haymaker,” Tandra Simonton said.

“While we certainly understand the pain and anguish felt by the Chicago Police Department in the wake of this tragedy, we dont have the evidence that would be required to meet the burden of proof to sustain a felony murder charge.

Haymaker, a third-generation Chicago cop, was killed when his squad car crashed into a light pole shortly after 5 a.m. Monday along Lake Shore Drive north of Irving Park Road. He was responding to a burglary at the time of the crash, police say.

Icy roads were likely a factor in the crash, which is being investigated by the Chicago Police Departments Major Accidents Unit, police said.

Haymaker, 56, who worked out of the Town Hall district on the citys North Side, was the father of three daughters. He is being memorialized today and Friday.

Visitation for Haymaker is from 3 to 9 p.m. today and at 10 a.m. Friday at Bethel Community Church, 7601 W. Foster Ave., with a funeral service at the church starting at 11 a.m. Friday.

The burglary Haymaker was responding to was at Consolidated Communications, 3167 N. Clark St.

Read the original article published on SouthTownStar.com.

Markham man charged in burglary tied to cop’s death | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis has said his department was considering the possibility of murder charges against anyone arrested in the burglary.

The funeral for Sgt. Alan Haymaker will be held Friday. He was killed after his police vehicle skidded and crashed into a light pole and a tree on Lake Shore Drive near Irving Park Road.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Suspect arrested in burglary tied to crash death of police sergeant | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Police are seeking a man with a long rap sheet named Johnny Cool for allegedly robbing an acquaintance early Thursday in the Loop, police said.

A 40-year-old reported panhandler told police that acquaintance Johnny Cool robbed him of a brown leather wallet containing $30 and a 15-day bus pass with about $40 fare remaining about 12:30 a.m. at 251 S. State St., police said.

The victim — who himself has been arrested 182 times, including arrests for burglary and retail theft — reported the robbery to police about 30 minutes after it happened and said Johnny Cool fled in an unidentified direction, police said. Police searched the area, but were unable to find the suspect.

The 45-year-old Johnny “Red” Cool, who has multiple aliases, has himself been arrested 97 times — mostly for panhandler-type violations, police said.

Johnny Cool and the man he robbed lived about two blocks from each other in the North Side Rogers Park neighborhood, according to police, who said it appears the men know each other.

Central District police are investigating.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Johnny Cool in trouble again | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Police stopped the speeding car at 3:55 p.m. Monday near State and Fox streets and found the teen behind the wheel.

The teen had no driver’s license. Police said the boy was taken to the police station, then released to his parents. No charges were filed.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

14-year-old driver is nabbed for speeding | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

All the robberies occurred between the hours of 2 and 9 p.m., police said. In each robbery, the man, described as a male Hispanic between 18 and 30, 150 to 200 pounds and 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-11, was armed with a handgun.

In most of the incidents, he wore a bandanna or mask partially covering his face.

On at least two occasions, according to an alert by Harrison Area detectives, he made his demands in Spanish and was seen fleeing in a black pickup driven by a second subject. There is no description of the second offender.

The robberies took place between Jan. 22 and Feb. 14 at the following locations:

• 3100 block of South Harding Avenue
• 2700 block of South Kostner Avenue
• 2800 block of South Kedvale Avenue
• 3200 block of South Ridgeway Avenue
• 2657 South Kolin Avenue.

Anyone with information should call Harrison Area detectives at 312-746-8253.

Read the original article from FOX Chicago News.

Chicago police warn of armed robberies pattern | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Emmanuel Perez-Gomez, 20, of the 4700 block of N. Kenneth Ave., was charged at 4 p.m. Monday with three counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm and misdemeanor aggravated assault, according to police.

Perez-Gomez was arrested at 4:37 a.m. Monday at Belmont Area headquarters at 2452 W. Belmont Ave. after he checked himself into Swedish Covenant Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound he suffered when a police officer shot him, police said.

The shooting happened about 1:10 a.m. Monday in the 2800 block of West Devon Avenue, police said.

A police report said the incident began as an argument, and Perez-Gomez allegedly pointed a loaded handgun at an Isuzu Rodeo SUV and fired three or four shots. Three men inside the Rodeo — all in their 20s with the same last name  – were not hit, the report said.

An off-duty officer working security nearby chased Perez-Gomez, who pointed the same gun at the officer, the report said. In fear for his life and others, the officer fired and shot Perez-Gomez, who fled in a dark-colored SUV, the report said.

Initially, police said no one was struck but a man later arrived at Swedish Covenant Hospital and told emergency personnel he was shot near North Mozart Street and West Devon Avenue — about a block west of the police-involved shooting, police said. The injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Belmont Area detectives and the Independent Police Review Authority, which investigates all police-involved shootings, are investigating.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Man shot by cop charged with attempted murder | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The shooting happened about 1:10 a.m. when an off-duty officer exchanged gunfire with a man in the 2800 block of West Devon Avenue, police said.

Initially, police said nobody was struck but a man later arrived at Swedish Covenant Hospital and told emergency personnel he was shot early Monday near North Mozart Street and West Devon Avenue — about a block west of the police exchange, police said.

Police said early Monday they have not yet confirmed if the man who arrived at the hospital is the person who fired shots at the officer, police said.

Circumstances surrounding the exchange were not immediately available.

Belmont Area detectives and the Independent Police Review Authority, which investigates all police-involved shootings, are investigating.

Read the original article from FOX Chicago News.

Off-duty Chicago police officer exhanges gunfire in West Ridge | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.