Chicago Mayor Emanuel meeting with justice dept. about police work

The officer was charged with first-degree murder for shooting McDonald 16 times. The Justice Department said last week that it would be looking at the Chicago department’s used of deadly force. The USDOJ is looking into the Chicago Police Department’s use of force, police accountability and systematic patterns in light of the release of dash-cam video showing the shooting of Laquan McDonald, 17, by Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke.

The video – released 13 months after the shooting – shows McDonald running down the middle of Pulaski Road near 41st Street when Van Dyke opens fire, hitting the teen 16 times. Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder on November 24, just hours before the video was released to the public. “We have not been through anything like this before”, he said.

These initial meetings are most likely get-acquainted sessions.

While staff from the Justice’s Department’s civil rights division takes the leads the investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will provide support.

Mayor Emanuel will meet federal investigators Thursday, on the second day of the Department of Justice’s probe into the Chicago Police Department. Angelo described it as an informal, off-the-record talk, and said he conveyed that the union wanted to “help facilitate the moving parts of the investigation”. In coming months, investigators will talk to everyone from beat cops to residents who alleged police misconduct in their neighborhoods. They also want USDOJ to look at police officer tests.

Emanuel told reporters Wednesday he’s been meeting with officers in several districts over the last few days and sees officers’ dedication.

A representative for the Justice Department was not immediately available for comment.

The relatives say they have always been skeptical of police accounts of what happened.

Hundreds of protesters marched through the streets near Chicago’s City Hall, blocking traffic and chanting, “16 shots and a cover-up” and “Shut it down”. John Escalante is serving as the interim police superintendent.