Officer's death sparks call for monitor hearing

CHICAGO CITY HALL (WBBM Newsradio) -- The shooting death of Chicago police officer John Bartholomew is sparking a new conversation about how Cook County handles criminal defendants released on electronic monitoring, and a Chicago alderwoman is planning to bring that conversation to City Hall.

Authorities say the suspect in Officer Bartholomew's death was on an electronic monitor at the time of the April 25 shooting at Swedish Hospital.

"That's a big tragedy, and it raises a lot of questions," said Southwest side Ald. Silvana Tabares, who noted the questions include how someone with a history of violent offenses was released on an ankle monitor, even though prosecutors asked a judge to keep him in custody.

"We have seen too many first responders that have lost their lives because offenders with active warrants are still on the streets," said Ald. Tabares (23rd Ward). The alderwoman said she'll use the next City Council meeting to formally call for a hearing to get answers from Cook County authorities, including Chief Judge Charles Beach and Sheriff Tom Dart.

"Chicago taxpayers and residents - they have a right to know how the court system is impacting public safety," said the alderwoman. "This is not about blame. It's about fixing the next tragedy."

Back in December, shortly after taking over the position, Chief Judge Beach told WBBM Newsradio he immediately moved to shore up the electronic monitoring system, and said questions about detention versus electronic monitoring are very challenging.

"Public safety is part of the equation and it is ultimately a very important part of that equation ... but so is our Constitution," he said at the time. "I know how hard those decisions are, because they are incredibly tough."

We've asked the Chief Judge's office for comment on the planned hearing.