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Residents tell council police harassment has persisted for years; officials hear calls for training
Summary
Multiple speakers during public comment accused some North Chicago police officers of harassment, unlawful stops and intimidation; speakers asked council to require training and to address a pattern of behavior they said has continued for three years.
During the public‑comment portion of the April 21 meeting several residents described repeated interactions they characterized as harassment by police officers and urged the council to take action on training and supervision.
Anthony Brown, speaking on behalf of several Mothers’ Day events at senior housing sites, asked the city to continue its sponsorship for community events but did not address policing. Later, Charlotte Burns and other residents spoke directly about policing. Burns told the council she had repeatedly experienced what she called harassment and said her family members had been stopped and detained late at night over matters she said were unrelated to them. “I’m not gonna tolerate it anymore,” Burns said, describing a three‑year pattern and asking for training and accountability.
Alderman Charles January and others echoed concerns about public‑safety interactions and urged attention to officers’ conduct. Speakers requested clearer complaint procedures, training for officers on proper procedures when state cases intersect with local activity, and more rapid responses when citizens report misconduct.
The council did not announce a formal policy change during the meeting; these comments were entered under public comment and were not acted on as an agenda item.
Next steps: issues raised during public comment may be routed to the appropriate department for follow‑up; residents asked for a formal process and for the council to insist on training and accountability steps from the police department.
