For several years now, Sheriff Dart has encouraged deputies to target suspended or revoked minority drivers for profit. The deputies arrest and impound the violators vehicle. The Sheriff's office received a $500.00 fee for every car they impounded.
The Sheriff office collected millions of dollars in fees since Dart initiated the policy after he took office... Many of the officers who brought in the revenue were rewarded with promotions or transfers. Only the officers who brought in these fees were given the newer squad cars according to numerous sources.. Two of the officers who brought in the most revenue now have positions in Tom Dart's executive office...
A recent lawsuit filed claims 86% of the cars impounded were black or Hispanic drivers. Not surprisingly, the officers who targeted these drivers reportedly called themselves the IBP's or the "illegal beaner patrol". Now it seems Sheriff Dart has a change of heart after exploring a run for the Mayor of Chicago.. Sheriff Dart abruptly suspended the impound fee just days after the Sun-Times reported he was exploring a 2019 mayoral run.. It's hard to imagine his opponents wont rehash this if Dart decides to run..
A special thanks to Investigators Geno #Crackers Matthews and P.M for as the initial source for this story last year and their brave undercover work highlighting corruption in the Sheriff's office. Chief Dana Wright is very proud of your courageous undercover work!
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