Chicago is going to reform its police oversight system

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel plans to reform the system for holding police officers accountable for misconduct, he wrote in a Chicago Sun-Times essay Friday. Emanuel outlined replacing the Independent Police Review Authority, which has been criticized for being lenient on cops, with a new civilian investigative agency.

"While much work still remains, we will continue to make significant strides on the road to reform," Emanuel wrote. "To fully fix Chicago's police accountability system, we must be thoughtful and bold and have the courage to call out and address the root causes that have eroded trust between police and Chicago's communities and some of Chicago's residents."

The announcement, in line with a task force recommendation, comes as the Justice Department investigates Chicago police practices. In November, the city released video footage of the fatal shooting of black teenager Laquan McDonald at the hands of a white police officer, prompting citywide protests.

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