(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A report that claims false testimony by police is sometimes allowed and encouraged in Cook County courts has a legal rights advocate hoping for what he said are long needed reforms.
The report from the Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts and the Chicago Council of Lawyers claims there is what the groups called a "teammate culture" among some police, prosecutors and judges that allows false police testimony in the Cook County courts.
The report claims even when police officers are caught giving false testimony in Cook County courts, they often face no repercussions.
“This a crime, for God’s sakes,” said Alan Mills, executive director of the Uptown People’s Law Center. “Perjury is a crime, and you have police officers committing crimes, so some things should be done about that. But, I think ultimately what I hope will happen is the public becomes aware that this a problem and stop believing everything police say as absolutely true, because it’s not.”
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Among the report's recommendations is the creation of a commission to investigate the issue and determine ways to encourage accurate police testimony and ensure accountability.
A spokesperson for the Cook County Circuit Court told WBBM the report is being reviewed, and a response to the accusations and recommendations will come following the review.
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