Chicago plans to post online all crimes dating to 2001 to increase transparency

[LeighAnn]

Source: AP via Washington Post

Long a city with a reputation for withholding information, Chicago now wants to make public every crime over the past 10 years — a highly unusual move among the nation’s major police departments.

Starting Wednesday, millions of crime statistics dating to 2001 will be posted online in a searchable database. It will be updated daily, providing fodder for residents to evaluate their own neighborhoods, academics to study crime and techie types to create websites or apps.

The release is the latest attempt by the administration of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who took office in May, to make city dealings more open and counter Chicago’s reputation for entrenched systemic corruption and backroom deals. Chicago officials recently posted online the salaries of city employees, city contracts and lobbying data, with more information expected in coming months.

<snip>

While some city critics are skeptical, Chicago’s crime data release goes beyond what other major police departments do, crime experts say. Besides listing every crime over the past decade — some 4.6 million incidents — the database also lists each address, if there was an arrest, the police beat, city ward and case number. That includes everything from sidewalk arrests for marijuana possession to homicides.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/apnewsbreak-chicago-plans-to-post-online-all-crimes-dating-to-2001-to-increase-transparency/2011/09/14/gIQAF3dLRK_story.html

[Autumn]

1. I would like to start with the politicians first

that would be real transparency.

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. I think they are only gonna count convictions?

So, until the banksters and politicians are actually charged and convicted...ain't gonna happen.

Of course, one could wade thru the info, on a treasure hunt for current incumbents who racked up DUIs or something back in the day...........

[Downwinder]

3. Are all accusations of police malfeasance going to be posted

in the same manner?

[russspeakeasy]

5. I'm sure they will.

:sarcasm:

[L0oniX]

4. More info for the mugshot websites.

[madrchsod]

6. a big step in the right direction

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

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[LanternWaste]

8. it appears this is merely simplifying the access to it...

If these records are already a matter of public record, then it appears this is merely simplifying access to those already available records... :shrug:

Efficient for the public? Yes.
Obsession, though? I'd need to see valid and relevant evidence precisely indicating it points directly towards that.

[valerief]

9. Including the illegal wars? nt

[Wait Wut]

10. In Chicago?

What illegal wars in Chicago are you referring to? If you're talking about gang wars, I'm sure those will be included.

[valerief]

12. Ha! Just responding to the subject line. nt

[snooper2]

11. Of course, you do know that the Chicago PD was instrumental in the yellowcake case

:rofl:

[valerief]

13. Bwah! Hey, the subject line didn't say Chicago crimes. It said all crimes. nt

[lunatica]

14. So after you've done your time for carrying weed you still get to keep paying

your debt to society forever after?

I like the Democratic principle of having the right to some measure of privacy. This is bothersome. And it strikes me as really bizarre that Rham Emanuel is trying to show transparency. Really odd.

[fascisthunter]

15. lol... crimes of those who do not matter to the "establishment"

what a fucking joke.