CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago’s inspector general’s office has concluded the police department’s sloppy record-keeping makes it difficult for the agency to comply with subpoenas. The watchdog agency noted many of the department’s records aren’t digitized and it is impossible for the staff to determine which paper records exist. The inspector general says the current system adversely affect prosecutors, who need complete documentation to build a case. It also hurts criminal defendants, who have a right to see evidence that may exonerate them. In a statement Wednesday, a Chicago Police Department spokesman noted the department is taking steps to reform its records management policies.
