In May 2020, during nationwide protests against police violence following George Floyd’s murder, Chicago police officers were caught on video beating demonstrators at Clark and Hubbard. Officer Richard Bankus was seen striking a protester, while Sergeant Zachary Rubald, who was supposed to ensure officers followed CPD rules, walked away without reporting the incident. This lack of accountability and discipline for police misconduct during protests sends a troubling message to both officers and protesters.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) received an influx of complaints about police violence during the summer of 2020. While some officers faced suspension or firing, many protest-related cases did not result in discipline. COPA’s handling of these cases highlighted challenges in investigating police misconduct during protests, with gaps in CPD policies and operational responses hindering accountability processes.
Despite sustained efforts to hold officers accountable, COPA’s findings were often challenged or watered down by CPD leadership. The lack of consequences for police supervisors, like Rubald, who failed to stop excessive force, perpetuates a culture of protection within the CPD. This failure to discipline supervisors sends a dangerous message to both officers and protesters, creating a sense of impunity for police misconduct.
Protesters like Damon Williams and Erin White, who experienced police violence firsthand, faced challenges in seeking justice through COPA investigations. While COPA made progress in sustaining excessive force cases and holding some officers accountable, many complaints lacked definitive video evidence and did not result in findings against officers. The delays and lack of transparency in COPA investigations raised concerns about the agency’s ability to prioritize cases and hold officers accountable effectively.
The upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago raises concerns about a potential repeat of aggressive police tactics seen during past protests. With officers accused of serious misconduct still on the streets, there are fears that the policing of the DNC could lead to further violence and suppression of protests. The lack of accountability and consequences for officers like Michael Donnelly, involved in high-profile incidents of police violence, underscores the urgent need for reform within the CPD.
As Chicago prepares for potential mass demonstrations at the DNC, questions loom about how the CPD will respond and whether there will be a shift towards more accountability and transparency in handling protests. The history of police violence and misconduct during protests underscores the importance of ensuring that officers are held accountable for their actions, and that protesters’ rights are respected and protected.
