The Chicago police union has voiced a strong lack of confidence in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, calling for a special prosecutor in cases involving police officers as victims or defendants. Citing a “deep mistrust,” the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) made the request in a letter to Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. The union’s concern stems from how Foxx’s office has handled cases, including the one involving “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett.
The letter, from Chicago Lodge No. 7 of the FOP, alleges that the prosecutor’s office violated the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act in cases where police officers are the victims. The letter also points to two instances where special prosecutors were appointed to replace Foxx: the Smollett case and the case against activist Jedidiah Brown, who was accused of assault after a demonstration, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
“A deep mistrust now exists between your office and ours. We no longer believe that your office will treat our members fairly either in the arrests they make or when they are victims of crimes,” the letter stated. The union also claims there have been “several instances” in which alleged offenders have been “arbitrarily released” from prison because of allegations of police coercion.
The letter was signed by FOP officials including President Kevin Graham, vice presidents Pat Murray and Martin Preib, and legal defense Co-Chairman Robert Bartlett.
Foxx’s office responded to the letter, calling it a “stunt” and accusing the police union of trying “to incite conflict and divide” the city, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Chicago Police union: Cops have ‘deep mistrust’ for State’s Attorney Kim Foxx
Foxx, who has served as Cook County state’s attorney since December 1, 2016, has faced national scrutiny due to the Smollett case. Smollett initially reported being the victim of a racist attack on January 29. Foxx recused herself from the case on February 19, citing her “familiarity with potential witnesses,” but maintained oversight within her office, according to FOX News.
Smollett was later indicted on charges of fabricating his story on March 8. However, Foxx’s office dropped all charges against Smollett less than three weeks later, a decision that drew criticism from then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson. The police union subsequently called for an investigation into Foxx’s decision.
Further controversy arose when Foxx’s office clarified on March 28 that she had never “formally” recused herself from the Smollett case, using the term in a “colloquial” sense. A judge later appointed a special prosecutor to review the Smollett case, suggesting Foxx erred by appointing an aide to oversee the case after her recusal. The judge indicated that Smollett could face new charges in connection with the case. The Chicago Police union’s letter underscores the growing tension between law enforcement and the State’s Attorney’s office in Cook County.