What is the Consent Decree?
For the first time in Chicago’s history, there is a court order mandating broad police reform. The goal of that court order—known as a Consent Decree—is to put in place reforms that govern police training and policies, and provide officers the support they need to implement safe and constitutional policing practices. A Consent Decree requiring effective, lasting reforms is the first step to begin to build trust between Chicago’s residents and police.
Starting in 2016, Community Renewal Society, in coalition with other community organizations in Chicago, worked with the Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, to put in place the current Consent Decree, adopted in January 2019.
CRS continues to participate in and monitor the implementation of the Consent Decree over the five-year term which ends in 2024. View our past work with the Consent Decree implementation:
Learn about new protections against police misconduct for protests, marches and rallies in Chicago by viewing the coalition’s Know Your Rights Teach-In.
Learn about CRS’ work with the Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability and the successful passage of the Empowering Communities for Public Safety Ordinance in July 2021.
View a historical look at the Consent Decree negotiation process and get up-to-date information on implementation of the Consent Decree here.
Let us know you are interested in police accountability.