| 1919: |
Organization of the Chicago Crime Commission. |
| 1920: |
The
persistent work of the Commission disclosed information that many
murderers had received immunity from trial. These disclosures resulted
in the rapid trial of 300 murderers on the docket and the execution of
11. |
| 1921: |
The Commission's actions led to the disclosure that many criminals were
released on worthless bonds. The disclosure resulted in the
organization of a Bond Department in the State's Attorney's office,
which provided for more rigorous scrutiny of bonds. |
| 1922: |
The
Commission moved to tighten law enforcement procedures by recommending
an increased number of police officers. One thousand patrolmen were
added. Similarly, the Commission pressed for a raise in judicial
standards at the Criminal Court, which resulted in the assignment of 11
additional judges to the court. |
| 1924: |
Conferences
were held with Cook County officials who administered criminal justice,
to implement parole procedures and tighten law enforcement. Pledges of
cooperation were secured. |
| 1925: |
The Commission began a movement to bring about collection of forfeited bonds amounting to more than $5 million at the time. |
| 1926: |
The
campaign to collect forfeited bonds resulted in the first Sheriff’s
sales at public auction of property guaranteeing such bonds. The
Commission began a movement to revise the Criminal Code, and recommend
construction of a new County Jail and Criminal Court Building.
Commission evidence resulted in the forced resignation of parole
officers. |
1927:
|
Construction
began on the Criminal Courts Building, for which the Commission
campaigned. Bond disclosures in the Municipal Court led to the
organization of a Bail/Bond Court at the Municipal Court. |
1928:
|
Investigation
of complaints registered with the Chicago Police Department uncovered
that the police department was suppressing many complaints in an effort
to reduce the crime rate. Among complaints were practices of the police
to bargain with individuals charged with crime and the use of felony
waivers as an aid to bartering. The Commission organized a more
intensive survey of the police department to investigate these
practices, and demanded the removal of all persons responsible. |