$95 million is the average paid each year in the last decade to settle lawsuits against the Chicago Police Department. This revelation comes as the city is facing a deficit of more than $838 million.
The lawsuits involve cases like that of Fausto Manzera, 21, who was hit and killed by Chicago Police Officer Joseph Frugoli, 50. Frugoli was driving drunk at the time of the 2009 crash – his blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit. He was sentenced to eight years in prison, and last year, Manzera’s family was awarded $7.5 million.
The city also settled last year with the family of Bettie Jones. The 55-year-old woman was shot and killed in the stairwell of her home by Chicago Police as they responded to a domestic disturbance call involving her neighbor. The shooting was ruled unjustified, and Jones’ family was awarded $16 million.
