Community can report alleged Chicago police misconduct to U.S. Department of

Caption + Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke arrives for a court hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 18, 2015.

Mayoral spokesman Collins said, “We have a mutual goal to create a stronger, better police department that keeps our neighborhoods safe while respecting the civil rights of every Chicagoan, and the mayor was happy to meet with DOJ today as they begin their work”.

Van Dyke approached Judge James Brown with his hands clasped behind his back when his case was the first to be called in the Branch 66 bond court at about noon.

At a news conference Thursday, the retired officers joined the ranks of those who have been voicing distrust of leaders including Mayor Rahm Emanuel since last month’s release of the video of the McDonald shooting.

The probe comes following the release of dash cam video showing the 2014 shooting death of an unarmed black teen by a white Chicago police officer.

In all, the barrage of bullets lasted about 14 seconds and Van Dyke is reported to have been reloading his weapon when another officer told him to hold his fire.

The hearing provides an opportunity for prosecutors to read Van Dyke’s indictment.

Herbert has said he may ask for a change of venue for Van Dyke in light of comments made by Mayor Rahm Emanuel about his client.

The brief hearing marked Van Dyke’s first public appearance since he posted the required 10 percent of a $1.5 million bond and was freed from Cook County Jail last month.

Van Dyke’s attorney said he didn’t think a special prosecutor was necessary but that if the venue is moved there might be a different prosecutor.

Video of the shooting has triggered protests, forced the resignation of the city’s police chief and put the entire Police Department under a wide-ranging civil rights investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. His defense has previously said Van Dyke feared for his life as McDonald reportedly had a knife. In that instance, demonstrators planned to march to the airport, blocking traffic along the way. “Whether it’s voluntary or involuntary. We want there to be some economic repercussions”.

Members of the public shouted insults at Van Dyke as he left the courthouse on Friday.

The chant of “16 shots” could clearly be heard among students at Urban Prep after a visit and address from Emanuel, who later said he understands the outrage and the need for getting to the root of the problems within the police department.